Scholarships with Ignite
Igniting College Affordability
At Ignite, we believe that Clarkson’s collaborative, hands-on education should be accessible to all students, regardless of background or major. That’s why we offer two full-tuition scholarships to learners who demonstrate creativity, versatility, and a passion for innovation through all that they do. They are our Ignite Presidential Fellows and Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs.
Ignite Presidential Fellows
Ignite Presidential Fellows (IPFs) envision bold solutions, drive meaningful change, and champion experiential learning. Challenging
the status quo is a defining characteristic of these students.
Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs
Only the brightest pioneers are deemed Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs (YIEs), students who develop and grow an impactful
business venture throughout their time at Clarkson.
A Community of Individuals
Having grown up in Vermont and attended high school in Canada, Justin Bouchard (DigArtSci, CompSci ‘27) was no stranger to the North Country climate. Attending Clarkson only required a brief road trip, a few hours from home.
For Jamona Blake (ChemE ‘27), who hails from Jamaica, travelling to Potsdam was a bit different - her first visit to campus was also her first time in the United States! Thanks to Clarkson’s International Center, she quickly found a community of peers with whom to create lasting memories.
Both Justin and Jamona are Ignite Presidential Fellows, allowing them to foster their individual passions and have a meaningful impact on the Clarkson community. Whether an IPF applicant is finishing high school, transferring from another university, or interested in The Clarkson School, they’re more than welcome in the Ignite family.
“Working in a tight-knit community with a culture of making has made my time at Clarkson an unforgettable experience," Justin said. "Being in a smaller group means everyone has the opportunity to play a large role, even as a first-year student. We all have our own ‘thing’, and Ignite gives us the flexibility and means to pursue that.”
Essential IPF Traits
Extracurricular Excellence
Not only is Robert Davis (MechE ‘26) a member of the Lu Research Group, but he’s also an Olympic-caliber bobsledder!
Personal Expression
For Vitesse Disney (E&M ‘27), digital content creation isn’t just a passion; it’s a way to express yourself holistically.
Meaningful Service
Alongside being in the Honors Program, Olaolu Olugbenle (CompE ‘25) serves as a Resident Advisor for Clarkson’s dorms.
Limitless Curiosity
Expanding the boundaries of the Clarkson community, Bryn Myers (I&E ‘25) spent an exciting semester abroad in Paris, France.
Constant Communication
What’s Mark Munro’s (Math & CompSci ‘27) advice for new students? “Talk to as many people as possible in your first month!”
On-Campus Impact
In less than a year, Emma Cosgrove (MechE ‘28) has become a frequent visitor to Clarkson’s Machine Shop.
Dogs and Cats, Eating Together...
Does your dog dominate your cat’s eating space? Do hisses and growls over pet food cause strife for your whole family? Well now you’re in luck - because that’s the real-world problem Lily Clonan (Psych ‘25) aimed to solve when she received the Young Innovators & Entrepreneurs scholarship in 2022.
In the years since, she’s developed Fat Head Feeder, a carefully-crafted feeding station that is cost-effective, quick to assemble, and easily-usable by your pets! True to its name, the innovation prevents a dog’s “fat head” from accessing a cat’s private food stash, allowing owners to leave both pets unsupervised in harmony.
As a YIE, Lily’s business aspirations didn’t conclude with a completed product; they’ve only continued to grow while taking her idea to the next level. Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign and a grand-prize win at the 2023 North Country Regional Business Plan Competition, Fat Head Feeder is primed for success.
The range of entrepreneurial endeavors created by YIEs is expansive, with notable businesses including maple syrup producer Parker’s Real Maple, drone repair firm Eagle Eye Drones, skiing product influencer Sendy Paradise, and web design consultant North Shore Solutions. Maybe your idea will be on this list next!
Lily’s suggestion for young entrepreneurs? “Utilize the resources available to you at Clarkson! There are many valuable tools and support systems for growing your innovation, even if you’re starting with a small idea. Be sure to connect and collaborate with your peers, professors, and mentors - everyone is eager to help."
How Can You Apply?
Once you complete your undergraduate Clarkson application, the option to apply for the Ignite Presidential Fellowship and Young Innovators Entrepreneurs scholarships will appear in your portal. Feel free to contact your Admissions Counselor with any questions you have about these awards or Clarkson scholarships in general.
New IPFs and YIEs complete an exciting Pre-Orientation week of events, including a thrilling high ropes course.
The most common IPF and YIE activity? Having fun wherever possible.
Have you seen these students during a campus event? They’re IPFs giving back to Ignite.
A little recreation never hurt anyone, did it? Have no fear - the average IPF GPA is 3.6.
With each passing year comes the graduation of one class of IPFs and YIEs, as well as the introduction of another!
Learn More About Ignite
What’s next for Ignite? A bright future filled with innovation, entrepreneurship, and all things creativity. Stay tuned!