What is the Spartan Alliance Program?

The University of Tampa’s Spartan Alliance Program and Scholarship is a comprehensive support program and scholarship for local Tampa Bay area students. It allows them to stay local while gaining a world-class private education from the University of Tampa. This scholarship targets local high schools who might be overlooked in the traditional admissions process. Individual support begins during the recruitment process and continues through graduation.

What can you expect as a selected recipient of the Spartan Alliance Program?

Campus Program Overview:

In their first-year, students are assigned to a common First-Year Experience (FYE), housing in first -year residence halls, and a University of Tampa employee who serves as a mentor to the cohort for the first two years. Scholars participate in monthly cohort meetings with their mentors, covering topics such as campus involvement, study abroad, internships, and academic support. Students also engage in monthly one-on-one meetings with their mentor, focusing on individual goal setting, career exploration and transitional questions.

In addition to the scholarship for all four years, Spartan Alliance Scholars receive funding support for study abroad, funding for major-related research and conferences, and coaching for post-graduate opportunities such as  fellowships, internships, graduate school, research, and full-time employment.

Each student is required to participate in a multi-day immersive experience before the start of the Fall semester. During these immersive experiences, students bond with their peers and collaboratively establish expectations and goals for their University of Tampa experience. Through engaging activities, scholars embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring various aspects for their identity, leadership, and communication styles. These days serve as a crucial stepping-stone to becoming “Spartan Ready” by familiarizing themselves with the resources, support and opportunities available within UTampa and throughout the vibrant Tampa Bay region. This comprehensive introduction lays a robust foundation for their academic and personal success as scholars.

Program Benefits:

• Scholarship that meets students’ full demonstrated need (tuition, room, board, and fees)
• Intentional connection-building with UTampa for students and their families
• Focused recruitment process (ideal during early high school years)
• Transitional support to college
• Peer support from a cohort of peers
• Designated mentorship team (multi-year commitment by faculty and peer mentors)
• Regular structured cohort engagement (all four years)
• Shared academic experiences
• Curated residence life experience
• Internship and research opportunity support connected to professional interests
• Access to summer session course funding, textbook support, and study-abroad assistance
• Priority eligibility for on-campus employment

How do I get started?

Eligible students must be nominated by their high school counselor. Counselors can obtain a nomination form by contacting the program point of contact Nelka Diih.

Priority Deadline for Counselor Nomination Submission is Dec. 1. 

To determine eligibility, we encourage all interested applicants to complete the Spartan Alliance Interest Form.

Who is eligible for the Spartan Alliance Program?

• A high school senior in a historically under-resourced high school in the greater Tampa Bay region
• A US citizen, national or permanent resident
• Have a strong high school academic record
• Demonstrate leadership through participation in community service, extracurricular, job or other activities
• Completed nomination from high school (Please reach out to your High School Counselor.)
• Completed Interview with University of Tampa Admissions Representative 

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