Scholarship Awarding University:
Type of degree:
Bachelor’s
Scholarship Deadline:
Applications for this scholarship will end on the
Scholarship Summary:
The Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship at James Madison University was created to recognize and encourage JMU students (US citizens and permanent residents only) with a demonstrated vision to impact others. The scholarship is given annually by the Dingledine-Bluestone Academic Selection Committee within the JMU Honors College.
Scholarship Applicant Criteria:
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must;
• Have a 3.6 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale) or a 89 (on a 100 point scale); OR
• Have a 1250 SAT (out of 1600 - writing portion not considered) or a 27 ACT score (composite only). If you choose to meet this criterion, you must have your scores sent officially from the testing agency to James Madison University and received by November 1st.
Value of Scholarship:
The Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship for freshman students is equivalent to in-state tuition and fees per year for a total of four years if eligibility requirements are met. For the 2024-2025 academic year, that amount was $13,576.
Renewal Criteria
• All Dingledine-Bluestone Scholars will be required to be an Honors College student in good standing for the duration of the scholarship.
• All recipients are encouraged to participate in the Leadership and Service programs within the Honors College
• A minimum 3.0 GPA must be maintained each year to renew the scholarship.
Scholarship Application Guide:
1. Apply to JMU through the Early Action process and complete the Honors College section within the application.
2. After submitting your JMU application, log into MyMadison and access the Madison Scholarships Hub to complete the General Scholarship Application and locate the Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship application.
- You may see the Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship application under "Recommended Opportunities".
- If you do not see the Thomas A. Dingledine Scholarship, then click on "Opportunities" and then under the drop-down list, "Ours" and you will have access to the scholarship. Click "Apply" to begin the application.
3. Students must submit the scholarship application through the Madison Scholarships Hub by the deadline.
Required materials include:
- Two essays (Do NOT put your name, date of birth, student ID or identifying information on your essays.)
Essay #1: Describe and discuss a time when you were under pressure to make a significant decision. Explain the causes of the pressure, the reasons you decided as you did, and the impact of your decision. Would you make the same decision again today? (Limit: 250 words)
Essay #2: Choose one of your service or leadership experiences and describe how it relates to your dream for a different and better world. How are you presently working to better the lives of others in fulfillment of your dream? How do you expect to make your dream a reality in the future? (Limit: 250 words)
- Your unofficial high school transcript including senior year schedule (PDF format) NOTE: you will send an official transcript as part of your freshman application.
- Bulleted list of activities, leadership experiences, and community service
- Bulleted list of academic awards, honors, and recognitions
5. Late February: Scholarship recipients will be notified.
Scholarship Website:
Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the James Madison University Dingledine-Bluestone Scholarship Page.