The Luckyday Experience
Joining the Luckyday Scholars Program provides more than financial assistance. When you accept the Luckyday Scholarship, you join a community of learners and leaders who are committed to making a positive impact on the world and taking advantage of multiple educational and developmental resources made available through the Luckyday program.
Luckyday Scholars are part of a robust, 4-year college experience focusing on the values of Scholarship, Community, Service, and Leadership. There are multiple events each semester that are open to all Luckyday Scholars, and in addition, each class of Scholars have specifically targeted opportunities and requirements to help you grow throughout your educational journey.
First Year
Luckyday first years, once selected for the scholarship, are immediately introduced to the four connected values of Luckyday; scholarship, community, service, and leadership. During the first year, scholars will be engaged in understanding the meaning and importance of each of these values.
Luckyday scholars live together in the Luckyday Residential College (LRC), a living-learning community where you’ll be able to make lifelong connections with other scholars through special events planned just for you – everything from discussions about current events to movie nights or cooking classes in the LRC’s kitchen. You’ll also be connected to upperclass Luckyday Peer Mentors who live in the building and help new students connect to one another.
All Luckyday Scholars take part in a First year Seminar that helps you start strong in both your academic studies and your exploration of possible majors and careers. The seminar classes are taught by Luckyday staff and upperclass Luckyday Peer Coaches.
We don’t just invest in ourselves at Luckyday, we also believe in investing in our communities. Each Scholar performs ten hours of service every semester in an area that interests them. Service provides us with the opportunity to learn more about our community, and be an active participant in addressing pressing issues. You’ll reflect on your service experiences with your residential community and in your First year Seminar.
Leadership opportunities start early at Luckyday – there’s a First Year Advisory Council made up of scholars who work together with Luckyday staff to help plan, lead, and give input on all areas of the Luckyday experience. Your voice and ideas help make Luckyday what it is!
Sophomore | Year Two
Sophomore Luckyday Scholars are challenged to explore their major and career path more in depth through a Sophomore Seminar. The class is taught by a member of the Luckyday staff, and includes speakers and resources from across campus. Sophomore scholars engage in personal reflection on their professional goals. Specific attention is paid to the connection between academic knowledge and the future work environment.
Sophomore scholars continue their service participation they started in the first year, and are encouraged to more deeply connect their service to their future plans in their career or community involvement.
Sophomores have the opportunity to apply to lead and serve as Peer Mentors in the Luckyday Residence Hall, or as Peer Coaches in the Freshman seminar classes and are also encouraged to explore leadership opportunities.
Engaging speakers, book clubs, and opportunities to connect to other students in your major are a big part of the Sophomore experience.
Junior | Year Three
As Junior Luckyday Scholars, emphasis is placed on clarifying career and educational goals as deeper commitments to leadership and service roles become priorities.
Junior scholars continue their commitment to servant leadership, and complete their 10 hours of service each semester. Many students find their service components connecting to their majors or issues they are passionate about.
Leadership roles as Peer Mentors, Peer Coaches, or serving on a Leadership Council are also available to all upperclass students, and Juniors are encouraged to invest in younger students and the program as a whole.
Senior | Year Four
Luckyday Seniors participate in workshops designed to ease the transition from college to graduate/professional school or to their chosen profession. During the senior year, Luckyday Scholars develop a collegiate portfolio to reflect upon the learning experiences in college and to establish long-term goals.
Our Senior Scholars are honored at a graduation reception recognizing their achievements, leadership and service. This celebration is a special time for all Luckyday Scholars!
The connection to the Luckyday Community doesn’t end at graduation. A robust network of Luckyday Scholars at all three Mississippi Universities helps connect Scholars across generations and majors. New Alumni events are being planned and will be an exciting part of the Luckyday experience.