Three distinct scholarships are awarded yearly to ADP students to further support their education. Each scholarship is conferred based upon specific criteria, which reflects the values and aspirations of the donor or founder of the award. We encourage all students pursuing the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) to apply for one or more of these scholarship opportunities. The call for applications opens in February and closes in March.

Cecil D. Bradfield Scholarship

The Cecil D. Bradfield Lifelong Learning Institute Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is awarded to an Adult Degree Program student who is returning to college to advance their career or education. Dr. Bradfield was a long-term faculty member and former associate vice-president of academic affairs at James Madison University, as well as a strong advocate of lifelong learning. He was the founding director of the Lifelong Learning Institute in 1996.

Selection Criteria:

1. Must be admitted to the Adult Degree Program
2. Must be in good academic standing
3. Must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher at JMU, or at your previous institution if recently admitted in the spring semester
4. Submit a completed application
5. Submit a copy of your current unofficial transcripts
6. Submit a personal statement

Contact adp@jmu.edu for additional information.

Elizabeth M. Finlayson Scholarship

In cooperation with the James Madison University Foundation, the Elizabeth M. Finlayson Scholarship in the amount of $1,800 is given in honor of Dr. Elizabeth M. Finlayson. Pivotal in establishing the Adult Degree Program in 1977, her unwavering passion for degree completion programs and adult learning led her to become the first director of the Adult Degree Program. Established in 1999, this scholarship recognizes the academic achievement of an adult student completing their undergraduate education later in life. It is a situation Dr. Finlayson experienced herself, having completed her education after traveling for 30 years as a military spouse and raising three children. 

Notice: The Elizabeth M. Finlayson Scholarship is now being accepted through the Madison Scholarships Hub located in MyMadison

Selection Criteria:

1. Must be in good academic standing
2. Must be an entering or current student in the Bachelor of Individualized Study program
3. Submit a completed application
4. Submit a copy of your current unofficial transcripts
5. Submit a personal statement

Dwight M. Sours Scholarship

In cooperation with the Bachelor of Individualized Study Alumni Chapter, the James Madison University Foundation, Inc., and James Madison University, the Adult Degree Program awards the Dwight M. Sours '97 '03 Endowed Scholarship annually. This scholarship in the amount of $1,400 is given in memory of Dwight M. Sours, who received his Bachelor of Individualized Study in 1997 and his Master's in Public Administration in 2003, both from James Madison University. Dwight proudly supported the Adult Degree Program and served as president of its alumni chapter. The scholarship honors Dwight by providing a current Adult Degree Program student with funds to continue their education. 

Notice: The Dwight M. Sours Scholarship is now being accepted through the Madison Scholarships Hub located in MyMadison

Selection Criteria:

1. Must demonstrate superior academic ability
2. Must have completed a minimum of 20 graded credit hours at JMU at the time of application
3. Must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.25 earned at JMU
4. Must have declared major of Individualized Study
5. Must be enrolled in a program of study approved by your particular school or college