Torch Scholars are game changers who work to make a difference within their communities. They show leadership in their jobs, at schools, or through service to their communities and represent a variety of interests, backgrounds, and hometowns.

Torch Scholarship Candidates:

• Are first-generation college students whose parents/guardians do not have a U.S. undergraduate degree or equivalent.
• Are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from low-income households (and are likely to be Pell Grant eligible).
• Have persevered despite difficult family situations, cultural barriers, financial challenges, or unfavorable educational environments. These challenges have kept them from reaching their full academic potential and from applying for admission to a highly selective school such as Northeastern.
• Show leadership through community, school, work, or service. Torch nominees are “game changers” in their communities, working to make a difference.
• Have enrolled in college prep classes and would be successful with the additional academic and personal support provided by the Torch Scholars Program, but have not yet demonstrated academic success at the level of their true potential.
• Represent a diversity of academic majors, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and geographic areas.

GPA Requirements

Torch does not require a specific GPA. While prospective Torch Scholars might not have a grade record that indicates their full academic potential, they have been preparing for college by taking a challenging academic course load. We know they’re ready for a college education. We look at applicants holistically, going beyond the numbers to determine their talent and potential for college success at Northeastern.