Tony and Norene Salvaggio Salesian Honors Program

Program Type: Honors program with tuition scholarships for gifted undergraduate students

Geographic Scope: DeSales University, Center Valley, PA 18034

This program is designed to offer gifted students the challenges and experiences necessary to thrive in the modern world. Students engage in year-long, seminar-style humanities courses as first- and second-year students, and advanced seminars in the arts and sciences as third- and fourth-year students, culminating in a research project.

Key Features

• Tuition Scholarships: $1,500 per year on top of other financial aid offers
• Travel Benefits: Free international travel for sophomores and seniors, with $1,500 credit per year (totaling $3,000 per trip)
• Academic Integration: Honors courses substitute for general education requirements, allowing participation from students in any major
• Minor: Honors students graduate with a minor in Catholic Studies
• Experiential Learning: Free monthly out-of-classroom activities (minimum 1 per month, 3 per semester) including field trips, weekend intensives, public debates, community service, spiritual retreats, and undergraduate research conference participation

Eligibility

• High School GPA: Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA or equivalent DeSales University GPA
• Required Materials: Resume with biographical information, extracurricular activities, interests, and community service
• Essay Requirement: Two short essays in response to application prompts
• Open to Any Major: Students from almost any major can participate

Focus Areas

• Liberal arts education and critical thinking
• Catholic intellectual tradition
• Leadership development
• Community service
• International and cultural experiences
• Research and academic excellence

Application Process

Application Timeline:

• Rolling admissions begin December 15 for the following fall semester

Required Application Materials:

1. High school transcript demonstrating high academic achievement (minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA)
2. Resume including:
   • Biographical information
   • Extracurricular activities and interests
   • Community service experience
3. Two short essays responding to application prompts (provided on application)

Application Steps:

1. Complete the online application form
2. Submit high school transcripts
3. Prepare and submit resume
4. Write two short essays addressing the specified prompts
5. Submit application through the "Apply Now" link

Notes:

• For prospective students or late applicants, the same materials are required
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting December 15