Duncan Scholars was established through a $9 million bequest from late Waco philanthropist Malcolm Duncan, Sr., who worked tirelessly to ensure local students have an opportunity to graduate from college debt free.

Our Purpose:

Duncan Scholars strives to increase college completion rates in McLennan County by providing financial aid, academic support, and success coaching through partnerships with MCC, Texas Tech and Tarleton State at the University Center and Baylor University.

Who We Serve:

Currently, Duncan Scholars is partnering with Waco Independent School District to select students who have great potential to succeed in this program. Students who are selected to participate as a Duncan Scholar will be notified by their counselor at either University High School or Waco High School.

Our Goals:

1. Reduce Student Debt

Duncan Scholars is designed to reduce student loan debt to provide cost effective solutions for post-secondary degrees or certificates.

2. Improve College Completion Rates

Duncan Scholars increases college completion rates by providing both academic and financial support, along with personalized college to career navigation.

3. Identify Barriers to Success

Duncan Scholars is designed to provide consistent research and data to identify and alleviate current student barriers.

4. Interventions to Success

Duncan Scholars provides one-to-one success and academic coaching with our expert staff to ensure students are fully supported in their post-secondary journey.

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