Sumners Scholarship Deadline Approaches for Wesleyan Students

The endowed scholarship offers $15,000 per year for two years and unique opportunities to learn about the democratic process.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The deadline to apply for the Sumners Scholarship at Texas Wesleyan University is February 13, 2026. The scholarship, which is open to rising juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a history of leadership and civic engagement, provides $15,000 per year for two years as well as opportunities to learn more about the democratic process through events like the Texas Tribune Festival.

Why it matters

The Sumners Scholarship aims to promote self-governance and civic engagement among students, which faculty believe is crucial for students to have agency over decisions that impact their lives. The scholarship provides a unique opportunity for students to build a network and gain valuable experience in the democratic process.

The details

Applicants must submit a 750-word personal essay, a transcript, and a professional resume. A selection committee will review the applications and interview finalists before the Sumners trustees make the final decision. Once selected, Sumners Scholars attend two events per semester, including the Braver Angels and Texas Tribune Festival, to build their network and learn more about the democratic process.

  • The Sumners Scholarship application deadline is February 13, 2026.
  • Sumners Scholars attend two events per semester.

The players

Dr. Christopher Ohan

Associate professor of history and Sumners Scholarship faculty adviser at Texas Wesleyan University.

Daylan Anderson Harris

Current Sumners Scholar and junior business management and religion major at Texas Wesleyan University.

Murad Gafarov

Assistant professor of political science at Texas Wesleyan University.

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What they’re saying

“That essay is extremely important because you're basically selling yourself, not just as a great student or a great person, but you're matching who you were, who you are and who you want to be with the Sumner's mission.”

— Dr. Christopher Ohan, Associate professor of history and Sumners Scholarship faculty adviser (therambler.org)

“I encourage those who apply to meet Sumners students; those are people who've already been accepted, so they can give you first-hand accounts of what made them stand out.”

— Daylan Anderson Harris, Current Sumners Scholar (therambler.org)

“To have that network of contacts, I think, is invaluable for our students, particularly as they are entering their careers for the first time.”

— Dr. Christopher Ohan, Associate professor of history and Sumners Scholarship faculty adviser (therambler.org)

“It's definitely a second home. This is our first home at Wesleyan, when we go to these events, you get that second home feeling.”

— Daylan Anderson Harris, Current Sumners Scholar (therambler.org)

“I strongly believe that politics is either something we engage in or if we refuse to engage in, it's something that happens to us. I think that's what makes civic engagement so important, is that you take the agency over decisions that impact your life immediately.”

— Murad Gafarov, Assistant professor of political science (therambler.org)

What’s next

The internal selection committee at Texas Wesleyan will meet to review the Sumners Scholarship applications and select finalists, who will then be interviewed by the Sumners trustees before the final recipients are chosen.

The takeaway

The Sumners Scholarship provides Texas Wesleyan students with a valuable opportunity to engage in the democratic process, build a network of civic-minded peers, and develop the skills and experience needed to become future leaders in their communities.