Paragon Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship

Paragon Marketing Group, LLC (“Paragon”) is once again partnering with DePaul to offer a scholarship to a student enrolled in a business focused or communications focused degree program, who exhibit strong leadership and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. To qualify for the Paragon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“PDEI”) Scholarship students must demonstrate a commitment to academics, leadership, and diversity as it relates to their interests in marketing, sponsorship, advertising and/or communications. The scholarship will be awarded starting in May 2025 to four candidates (one at each of the partner schools) with the money going towards tuition for fall 2025. This scholarship will not only provide students with financial aid, but it will be a path to launch their career in the sports and entertainment industry through mentorship, guidance, and job opportunities.

*SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA: *
● Applicants must be enrolled in a major and/or minor related to business, advertising, marketing or communications.
● Given the opportunity to be considered as a candidate for a summer internship with Paragon, preference will be given to applicants who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in the sports and entertainment industry.
● Must be a current Undergraduate student at the Freshman, Sophomore or Junior level who has completed at least one quarter at DePaul at the time of application.
● Must demonstrate a commitment to values of diversity and inclusion
● Must exhibit and consistently demonstrate strong leadership abilities and upstanding character

*SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS *
● Tuition Assistance: Scholarship recipient will receive a one-time $5,000 award
● Mentorship Program: Scholarship recipient will have access to the Paragon Mentorship Program. Student will have the opportunity to receive guidance and speak one-on-one with Paragon employees to build relationships and expand knowledge
● Event Volunteer Opportunities: Scholarship recipient will have the opportunity to volunteer for one Paragon-planned event per school year to gain on-site work experience
● Job Search Support: Scholarship recipient will receive guidance regarding finding jobs during college career (internships, full-time positions)

_● Additional Professional Benefits: _
○ Opportunity to become part of the PDEI Scholarship alumni network upon graduation
○ Automatic consideration for Paragon Marketing Group’s Summer internship positions to build their experience

*PROJECTED PROGRAM CYCLE: *
YEAR 1 (After Freshman Year): Consideration as a candidate for a Summer In-Office Intern position
YEAR 2 (After Sophomore Year): Consideration as a candidate for a Summer In-Office Intern position
YEAR 3 (After Junior Year): Consideration as a candidate for a Summer Travel Intern position (must be at least 21 years old for consideration
YEAR 4 (Graduate): Consideration as a candidate for a Full-time position

The application will be open until May 9, 2025 at 11:59:59 pm Central Standard Time. Recipients are expected to be announced in mid/late May. Interested students can request more information by reaching out to Donyiel Crocker, Associate Director, Employer Engagement, Career Center at dcrocke4@depaul.edu.

Award
$5000
Deadline
05/09/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. What does diversity and inclusion mean to you?
  2. What are your future career goals? How would this opportunity help you achieve those goals?
  3. Describe a time when you took initiative to solve a problem or issue.
  4. Scholarship Connect Student Consent
    • A) Consent Statement

      By clicking the checkbox below, I certify that all the information provided as part of the scholarship application process is accurate. I understand that as part of the scholarship application and selection process, my academic information, financial aid information, and other demographic information may be shared with individuals who are involved in the scholarship selection process and recipient reporting. This may include information from my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), my annual award information, my Cost of Attendance components (living expenses, personal expenses, travel, books, tuition, and fees), and items related to my current academic standing and career program. By agreeing to this electronically, I am authorizing DePaul University, and providing my consent, to release my information and allowing me to be considered for scholarship opportunities. I understand that if I do not agree to this release, I will be unable to proceed with my scholarship application. I further understand that by completing the signature below and selecting the “Finish and Submit” button in this electronic application, I am signing and acknowledging my consent. My submitted signature in this electronic application has the same legal effect, validity, and enforceability as affixing my signature to a paper document. I also acknowledge that my financial aid information is being released with my explicit written authorization as allowed by the Higher Education Act (HEA), HEA 483(a)(3)(E), affirmed by Congress in the final fiscal year 2018 omnibus spending bill, HEA 485B, 494, the IRC 26 USC 6103(I)(13) and HEA 20 USC 1098h(c)(2) .
    • B) Consent Statement Electronic Signature
    • C) Signature Date