The world needs leaders who advance equity and justice
Are you feeling called to be one of them?
We invite you to apply for the Entrada Scholars Program: a two-week, on-campus, college-level experience that helps you grow as a leader and thrive as a first-year college student.
This program is exclusive to high school seniors headed to Calvin in the fall. Even if you haven’t chosen Calvin yet, we invite you to apply!
Program highlights
- Live on campus and learn at the college level with students from around the country.
- Engage in rigorous, hands-on learning led by Calvin faculty.
- Experience campus life with students from many backgrounds and experiences.
- Build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond.
- Graduate from the program ready to shape communities of justice, belonging, and hope.
- By successfully completing the Entrada Scholars Program you'll receive the $4,000 Entrada Scholarship. This renews each year you're enrolled as an undergraduate student at Calvin University. (For more info about financial aid at Calvin, check out the Knight Promise.)
Entrada 2026: July 18–31
The Entrada 2026 application is open December 1, 2025 through March 12, 2026 for students who have applied and are admitted to Calvin. See details below and stay tuned in your New Student Portal.
What is Entrada about?
Your Choice, Your Path.
Be matched with a class that aligns with your preference and academic goals.
Each Entrada seminar offers a dynamic college-level learning experience through discussion-based learning, labs, and fieldwork.
College Readiness.
Transformative experiences will strengthen your leadership and equip you to make a positive impact at Calvin, in you local community, and the world.
Guidance Along the Way.
You’ll be surrounded by mentors invested in your success and ready to walk with you every step of the way.
Plus, your professors are experts in their field, excellent teachers, committed Christians, and eager to connect with high-achieving, college-bound students.
Thriving Together.
You'll be part of a cohort of Entrada Scholars who share your curiosity and commitment to learning.
You'll experience campus life together, like living in the dorms, enjoying access to the gym, pool, and dining hall, and taking part in Bible studies and worship. You'll explore Grand Rapids, go to Michigan’s Adventure, and end with our graduation celebration!
Originally, the scholarship caught my attention, but I chose to participate in Entrada because of the chance I’d have to build a community
Cost and financial aid
- Program cost is $750
- Application is free
- Non-refundable $200 deposit to confirm your space.
Thanks to generous grants and university support that cover most program expenses, scholars pay a small portion of this through a single non-refundable fee of $750. Financial assistance or a payment plan is available for those who qualify. Please contact us at entrada@calvin.edu; we're happy to help!
Who can apply?
Program eligibility
- Current high school seniors who have been admitted to Calvin University and intend to enroll as first-year students in Fall 2026
- Demonstrated academic readiness, as indicated through admission to Calvin
- Willingness to fully participate in the two-week residential Entrada experience
- Those with demonstrated financial need will be given preference (assessed through FAFSA completion)
Entrada Scholars are students who...
Value learning and leadership
Pursue justice and equity
Embrace community and belonging
Demonstrate character and commitment
Seek purpose through faith
Believe education is a gift
Application details and deadlines
The Entrada Scholars Program application opens December 1, 2025 and closes Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Decisions will be sent by April 1, 2026.
How to apply
- First, apply to Calvin (if you haven't already).
- Once you've been admitted to Calvin, you can find the Entrada application in your New Student Portal. If you can’t find it, email us: entrada@calvin.edu.
- The form has three short essay questions.
- It should take about 45 minutes to complete your responses.
- Please use the same email you used to apply to Calvin.
- While the application is designed to be simple, we encourage you to take time to write thoughtful, well-crafted responses. Entrada is a selective program, and your essays help us understand your goals, interests, and readiness for the experience.
- Upload one letter of recommendation on your application status page or email it to entrada@calvin.edu. (If you apply with the Common Application, we will use that recommendation!)
I was in my comfort zone, but Entrada put me in a space that I was unfamiliar with. I didn't grow up seeing different backgrounds and experiences. Entrada offered me a community where every person is valued, where differences are celebrated, and where I was able to learn from other’s stories.
Snapshots from the Entrada experience
Our commitment and history
Calvin is committed to helping you grow in faith while embracing a biblical vision of “every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne.” Revelation 7:9
For almost 40 years, Entrada has been a place of opportunity, support, and belonging for students at Calvin University. Entrada was created to make sure students who might feel overlooked or underserved can succeed in school, feel valued and empowered, and make a difference on campus and beyond.
Together, we live out our faith by helping you succeed, knowing that your success helps build a community where God’s love and justice are evident.
Entrada Scholars through the years
Years of the program
States represented
Countries represented
Total participants
Get involved with Entrada
Nominate a scholar
Nominating a student for the Entrada Scholars Program will help them find a unique opportunity that provides lifelong benefits.
Nominated students accepted to Entrada will also receive a $100 discount off their enrollment fee.
Our sponsors
We thank everyone who supports the efforts of Entrada. We enjoy wonderful community support, and especially thank Wolverine Worldwide and Butterball for their continued partnership.
Consider getting involved!
Questions? Contact us!
Email: entrada@calvin.edu
Stay up to date on social media:
Cassie Kennedy
Martin Austin
Calvin University’s Entrada Scholars Program is open to all qualified students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. Selection is based on academic readiness, demonstrated motivation, and alignment with the program’s college readiness mission.