Raising Up Leaders

Since its establishment in 2020, Baylor University’s Trailblazer Scholars Program has built a vibrant community for student leaders — a support system that is growing thanks to the Baylor Family’s philanthropy. 

“I love that our students see the value of what the Trailblazer Scholars Program brings, not only to them but to the University,” said Geoffrey Griggs, Ed.D., director of Baylor’s multicultural affairs. “They are attracted not only because of the financial resources they are able to gain through the scholarships, but because they value the experiences that they partake in with others. It’s the opportunities they have for educational training and leadership. The opportunities to build and develop relationships with people not only in our office but others around campus and Baylor’s alumni as well. It has been a wonderful experience, and we have been excited to watch it grow.”

Housed within the Department of Multicultural Affairs, the program’s inaugural Gilbert-Walker cohort of 25 students, named in honor of Baylor’s first Black graduates, Rev. Robert Gilbert, B.A. ’67, and Mrs. Barbara Walker, B.A. ’67, began the scholarship program and has enjoyed leadership and service opportunities that advance campus conversations around racial equality and diversity. 

For the 2024-25 academic year, Trailblazers is celebrating a new milestone — 100 students within the program. Prior to this year, the program boasted 22 graduates, with 88 Trailblazer Scholars having participated or remaining active from previous years. Those students represent more than 40 majors at Baylor, including graduate programs. 

Donor support remains a priority for this program’s ongoing success with nearly $2 million in current and endowed funding, including six new endowed scholarships on the way to a $5 million goal.

Click here to learn more about the Trailblazer Scholars program.