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UIU ExcEL

Excellence in Experiential Learning Honors Program

What is the Excellence in Experiential Learning Honors Program (UIU ExcEL)?

The selective UIU ExcEL Honors program combines Fayette campus academic studies with experiential learning and community engagement. Program features include:

100% Tuition-Free: Minimize financial stress and focus on your educational journey.
Career-Boosting Experiences: Gain real-world skills through on and off-campus employment and career-focused seminars.
Professional Mentorship & Community: Connect with a dedicated director, faculty and staff mentors, and a cohort of motivated peers.

Video: Take a Closer Look at UIU ExcEL Honors Program

Hear from current UIU ExcEL Scholars and University leaders about what makes this tuition-free, experiential learning honors program the perfect fit for motivated learners.

UIU ExcEL Program Information

A UIU ExcEL Scholar will: A group of over 20 UIU ExcEL Scholars pose for a photo on a curving staircase

Be awarded an ExcEL Scholarship to eliminate the tuition portion of your college costs
Average 15 hours/week doing a variety of on/off campus jobs to contribute to the campus community and gain knowledge and transferrable skills
Attend Upper Iowa University-Fayette, in-person campus
Engage in 200 service hours over 4 years, seeing your personal impact on the community
Deliver poster and oral presentations to cultivate communication confidence as well as share knowledge and experiences with fellow classmates, professors, employers, and donors
Complete a First Year Seminar (FYS) course as part of an ExcEL cohort with the program director to advance the transition to higher education
Experience one-credit honors seminars on Monday evenings designed to elevate your career-related self-awareness and confidence and bridge your academic and work experiences
Cultivate professional mentorship from faculty, work supervisors, and a dedicated program director
Collaborate with a team of driven ExcEL Scholars as you learn, grow, work, network, and attend events
Receive networking opportunities to graduate more confident, informed, and connected

Jaidyn Duvel

UIU ExcEL Scholar

I am a career driven person and wasn’t sure what was out there. Once I found out about the ExcEL program I immediately scheduled a visit. I am thrilled to be selected for the ExcEL program! I’m excited to meet and network with new people, learn new skills, have support from Miriam, and make like-minded friends in the program!

Application process for becoming a UIU ExcEL Scholar!

UIU ExcEL Application Process Overview & Important Dates

UIU ExcEL is an experiential learning based honors program for 10 select students each academic year. To be eligible for interview selection, current seniors need to submit materials specific to the UIU ExcEL program, apply to Upper Iowa University, and submit their FAFSA. Priority is given to first-time college students who are not participating in athletics and have chosen to live on our Fayette campus. Scholars will be chosen in two rounds:

Round 1

All application materials, including resume, reflection, UIU admissions application due October 31
Ten applicants will be invited to interview in November
On December 1 five applicants will be selected

If an interviewed applicant was not chosen on December 1, they’ll return to the applicant pool for Round 2. Those not invited to interview will be notified.

Round 2

All application materials, including resume, reflection, UIU admissions application due February 28
Ten applicants will be invited to interview in March
On April 1, five applicants will be selected

Those not selected will be notified or added to a waitlist.

UIU ExcEL Application Steps and Materials

When applying to become a UIU ExcEL Scholar, complete the following steps:

Complete a Upper Iowa University admissions application
Have your high school counselor submit your transcript to [email protected]
Complete the FAFSA (when it opens)
Register for Scholarship Interview Day
Resume: Email Miriam at [email protected] a resume that includes experiences from the past 4 years.
Reflection: Write and email Miriam at [email protected] a response to the following prompt:
- What do you hope your resume of experiences and your academic transcript will say about you at the end of your college years?
  Important:
  - While AI has some great uses, it is not beneficial to use in this context. We are interested in hearing your true thoughts and feelings on this question. Simply write it like you are telling us, a mentor, or a family member.
  - Aim for approximately 300 words and recognize that a resume can include work, internships, volunteering, activities, clubs, research, travel, skills, languages, and so on.

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Refer a UIU ExcEL Scholar

Do you know a student who might be a great fit for UIU ExcEL? Share with us their information and we’ll follow-up with more information.

UIU ExcEL Referral Form

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Support ExcEL Scholars!

Support UIU’s new tuition-free program that pairs academic excellence with experiential learning!

Donate to UIU ExcEL

Meet the Director

Miriam Skrade brings dynamic strengths and passion to the UIU ExcEL program and its participants. Cultivating engaging and supportive environments for college students has been her life’s work.

Connect and explore her range and depth of experiences on LinkedIn. Email the director at [email protected]