Lincoln University Welcomes 88 Students for Inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund SOAR HBCU Scholars Program

Lincoln University of Missouri welcomed 88 high school scholars to campus for its inaugural Thurgood Marshall College Fund SOAR HBCU Scholars Program, a residential experience designed to prepare students for college while introducing them to the academic opportunities, leadership development and traditions of historically Black colleges and universities.

Held June 21-26, 2026, the weeklong program marked a milestone for Lincoln University as Missouri's only host institution and one of 16 HBCUs nationwide selected by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to host the SOAR program. The inaugural cohort included 87 high-achieving high school juniors from across the United States and one scholar from the Caribbean.

Throughout the week, scholars participated in an immersive college experience focused on academics, leadership development, career exploration, personal growth and community engagement. Living on campus and working alongside faculty, staff and peer mentors, students experienced Lincoln University's campus culture firsthand.

Leadership development included CliftonStrengths assessments and coaching, academic mindset workshops, college readiness programming, goal-setting activities and exercises designed to help students recognize their strengths and prepare for the transition to higher education.

Scholars also participated in academic exploration sessions led by Lincoln University faculty. Sessions highlighted careers in the social and behavioral sciences, entrepreneurship and small business development, nursing, agriculture and environmental sciences, education, professional communication, sport management, and the university's band and choir programs. The sessions connected classroom learning to career pathways while introducing students to the university's academic offerings.

Career readiness remained a central focus as scholars visited the Missouri Department of Transportation in St. Louis, where they met with professionals and explored careers in public service and transportation.

Students also learned about the history of historically Black colleges and universities through presentations on Lincoln University's legacy, participated in a virtual alumni panel, and heard from faculty about the university's mission and impact.

Outside the classroom, the Division of Student Affairs and Student Engagement organized campus tours, daily peer mentor huddles, a campuswide scavenger hunt, an ice cream social, residence hall programming, a movie night, the TMCF SOAR Celebrity Talent Show, an etiquette dinner, bowling and other team-building activities. Scholars also participated in the "One LU: Student Life & Support Network" experience, meeting representatives from Residence Life, Financial Services, ROTC, Athletics, Student Engagement, Music Programs, University College and academic departments to learn about student support services.

Throughout the program, peer mentors served as coaches, role models and ambassadors, helping scholars build relationships, strengthen their confidence and develop a sense of belonging.

"Hosting the inaugural TMCF SOAR HBCU Scholars Program was both an honor and a reflection of Lincoln University's commitment to student success," said Saint Rice, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of University College. "Our faculty, staff, peer mentors and campus partners created an experience that challenged students academically, inspired them personally and demonstrated what it means to be part of the Lincoln University family."

The week concluded with the LU SOAR Leadership Showcase, where scholar teams presented projects highlighting their leadership growth, academic development and goals for the future. During the closing ceremony, scholars were recognized for outstanding team presentations, individual leadership and successful completion of the program before family members, faculty, staff and representatives of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.

One of the ceremony's highlights came when each scholar received a provisional acceptance to Lincoln University, recognizing their academic achievement, leadership potential and successful completion of the LU SOAR HBCU Scholars Program. As students crossed the stage, they were welcomed as future Blue Tigers, reinforcing the university's commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders and encouraging them to continue their education at one of the nation's premier public historically Black universities.

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