Thurgood Marshall College Fund SOAR HBCU Scholars Program
LU SOAR: Get Ready for College — Before Senior Year Begins
The TMCF SOAR Program at Lincoln University of Missouri is a free, one-week residential summer experience for high-achieving Class of 2027 high school juniors entering their senior year. The 2026 program will take place June 21–26, 2026, on Lincoln University’s campus.
Through hands-on learning, workshops and campus engagement, students gain early exposure to college life while exploring academic pathways, financial aid resources and career opportunities. Funded by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), the SOAR Program helps students build confidence, clarify goals and prepare for a successful transition to higher education.
We are currently accepting applications.
Application deadline is May 9, 2026.
Join us on campus June 21–26, 2026.
How to Apply
Students interested in the TMCF SOAR Program must complete the official TMCF application, which includes:
- A completed application form
- A minimum of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
- An academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- A letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, administrator, advisor, coach or counselor at your school.
- A personal statement (250-300 words) responding to the following prompt:
- What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
LU SOAR is a pre-college enrichment program supported by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund that introduces rising high school seniors to the college experience in a supportive, engaging environment.
Participants in the TMCF SOAR Program will:
- Take part in a residential campus experience, June 21–26, 2026
- Live on campus and experience college life firsthand
- Participate in college readiness and leadership workshops
- Learn about college admissions, financial aid and scholarships
- Explore academic majors and career pathways
- Engage with faculty, staff, college students and professionals
- Build connections with peers from across the region
The TMCF SOAR Program is open to students who:
- Are current high school juniors in the Class of 2027
- Demonstrate academic promise and motivation for college
- Are interested in exploring college options, including HBCUs
- Can participate fully in an in-person residential program from June 21–26, 2026
Students interested in applying for the TMCF SOAR Program at Lincoln University of Missouri must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a member of the graduating class of 2027
- A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
- Must submit an academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, administrator, advisor, coach or counselor at your school
- Must write a personal statement (250–300 words) on the topic: What are your short-term and long-term goals after high school? How can your participation in the TMCF SOAR Program assist you in achieving these goals?
Participants in the TMCF SOAR Program will:
- Live on campus during a residential summer experience
- Participate in college readiness and leadership workshops
- Learn about college admissions, financial aid and scholarships
- Explore academic majors and career pathways
- Engage with faculty, staff, college students and professionals
- Build connections with peers from across the region
The TMCF SOAR Program is free for accepted participants.
The program covers:
- On-campus housing
- Meals during the program
- Educational materials and activities
Students and families are responsible for travel to and from campus.
FAQs
The TMCF SOAR Program is a free, one-week residential summer experience designed for high-achieving high school juniors entering their senior year. The program helps students explore college life, academic pathways, leadership development and career opportunities.
The 2026 TMCF SOAR Program will be held on Lincoln University’s campus June 21–26, 2026.
Yes. Applications for the 2026 TMCF SOAR Program are now open. Students are encouraged to apply early, as space is limited.
Students must meet the following qualifications:
- Must be a member of the graduating class of 2027
- A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale (preferred)
- Must submit an academic transcript (official or unofficial)
- Must submit a letter of recommendation from an academic teacher, administrator, advisor, coach or counselor at your school
- Must write a personal statement (250–300 words)
Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic readiness for college. A minimum 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is preferred. Students must also submit an academic transcript as part of the application.
No. The TMCF SOAR Program is free for accepted participants.
The program covers most on-campus expenses, including:
- Housing during the week
- Meals throughout the program
- Educational materials and scheduled activities
No. Students and families are responsible for travel to and from Lincoln University’s campus in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Yes. SOAR is a residential experience, meaning participants will stay on campus for the duration of the program.
Students will reside in Lincoln University residence halls under the supervision of trained program staff. Housing and check-in details will be shared with accepted participants.
SOAR participants will engage in a variety of academic and leadership-focused experiences, including:
- College readiness workshops
- Admissions, financial aid and scholarship sessions
- Career exploration and goal-setting
- Team-based projects and presentations
- Social and enrichment activities
- Networking with college students and professionals
No. The TMCF SOAR Program at Lincoln University is an in-person, residential experience and cannot be completed virtually.
For questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process, please contact Soar@LincolnU.edu.
Contact Us
SOAR HBCU Scholars Program
at Lincoln University of Missouri
Why Lincoln?
As Missouri’s only public HBCU, Lincoln University of Missouri offers a welcoming, student-centered academic environment focused on access, opportunity and student success. Founded in 1866 by the men of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantries and their white officers, Lincoln University was established to expand educational opportunities for freed African Americans and continues that mission today as a historically Black, 1890 land-grant public university.
Located in Jefferson City, Missouri, Lincoln University is known for its innovative undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, business administration, criminal justice, elementary education, guidance and counseling, natural science and nursing. The University also offers a vibrant residential life and a full slate of NCAA Division II athletics.
Through the TMCF SOAR Program, participants experience campus life firsthand while learning how Lincoln University supports academic exploration, career readiness and long-term student achievement.