OCHRE Scholarships

Opportunity and Community Helping to Reach Equity

Salve Regina strives to create and foster a community that is diverse, well rounded and inspired to change the world. The OCHRE scholarship program is an important contributor to this effort by providing students with the opportunity to continue making a difference after high school.

These scholarships take their name from Ochre Court, the historic building donated to the Sisters of Mercy to house a university that would make social justice a core component of its educational mission. The goal of these awards is to expand diversity, inclusion and multiculturalism on campus by making a Salve Regina education affordable for qualified students.

Students who are chosen for the OCHRE scholarship receive a generous grant with the opportunity to be considered for additional need-based scholarships, some covering up to full tuition. Recipients also have access to leadership development workshops through the Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention, as well as the student organizations, community service opportunities and support that are available to all Salve Regina students.

Eligibility

  • Submit the Common Application to apply for first-year admission by one of the deadlines (early action, early decision or regular admission) and be sure to submit the required supporting documents soon thereafter.
  • If you identify with a multicultural heritage such as American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, please note this on your application.

Selection

The admissions process at Salve Regina is holistic, meaning that we review all the information that applicants submit, including academic credentials, school and community involvements and letters of recommendation. There is no separate scholarship application, however, the admissions review committee is happy to consider any supplemental information uploaded to your student status page.

A select number of accepted students will be invited to apply for an enhanced OCHRE award valued up to full tuition (OCHRE Ambassador Scholarship). The invitation is competitive and will involve a 500-word essay or five-minute video that speaks to their leadership, service or commitment to making positive social change. When invited to apply, students will be asked how they would help further these initiatives in the Salve Regina community. These enhanced awards are need-aware and require that students file the FAFSA or submit information regarding their financial status (see below).

OCHRE scholarships are renewable for four consecutive years or completion of the bachelor's degree, whichever comes first. Scholarship recipients must complete a minimum of 24 credits each year with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or higher each semester. For more information, contact the scholarship coordinator at (401) 341-2908 or ochre.scholarship@salve.edu.

Required Financial Aid Forms for OCHRE Ambassador Awards

Our Office of Financial Aid reviews the financial status of each student using the following:

When financial need is determined, you will be sent a financial aid package containing grants, loans and/or student employment. Questions regarding financial aid or the required financial aid forms may be directed to the Office of Financial Aid at (401) 341-2901 or financial_aid@salve.edu.

Abigail Brodeur '22

Major: Marketing, minors in accounting and business administration
Involvement: American Marketing Association, Campus Activities Board, Navigator Leadership Development Program, Pell Honors Program, SRU Dance

This scholarship made my decision to choose Salve much easier. I fell in love with the campus and the people I met on a campus tour. When it came to down to making the final decision based on finances, it was clear to me that Salve offered the most value. My favorite event on campus is the SRU Dance show, which showcases student-choreographed pieces. Parents, students and even professors attend the performance to show their support. I plan to participate in the combined bachelor's/master's program to complete my MBA in five years at Salve.

Tim Mentor '20

Hometown: New York City
Major: Political science, minor in sociology and anthropology
Involvement: Black Student Union, Multicultural Education Week, Resident Advisor, Student Ambassador

This scholarship not only made Salve affordable, it has given me the role models, network and peers on which I've based both my character as a student and my principles as a person. Last year, I participated in the Henry Clay Statesmanship College Student Congress and traveled to the University of Kentucky to draft policy recommendations for the State Department. I hope to utilize my political science degree to pursue higher education degrees in international relations and diplomacy, with an eye towards international policy.

Michelle Ostolaza

Michelle Ostolaza '21

Hometown: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Major: Administration of justice, minor in sociology and anthropology
Involvement: Black Student Union, Multicultural Student Organization, Office of Multicultural Programs and Retention, Office of Student Engagement, Student Government Association

This scholarship made college a reality for me. It has allowed me to meet people that have pushed me to become a better student and individual, and I have been able to learn more about myself and my culture. I use this knowledge and information to educate my peers. After graduation, I hope to spend some time with City Year, helping at-risk students and attending one of their partner schools for a master's in cybersecurity. With time, I would like to enter law enforcement and work my way to be a detective.