Fly-In Programs: Lantern Scholars
"Lantern Scholars leave the program with a clearer understanding of what it means to be part of a women’s college and a liberal arts institution. "
"Lantern Scholars leave the program with a clearer understanding of what it means to be part of a women’s college and a liberal arts institution. "
We recently opened our Lantern Scholars fly-in program application for Fall 2026 and sat down with Associate Director of Admissions & Coordinator of Visits & Events Jenny Hunken to learn more. Read on for Jenny's thoughts on Lantern Scholars and the college search!
Tell us about the Lantern Scholars program. What do students need to know?
The Lantern Scholars fly-in is a 3-day, 2-night visit to Bryn Mawr’s campus designed to support rising high school seniors from first-generation and limited-income backgrounds to visit campus and have an immersive experience. For admitted Lantern Scholars, Bryn Mawr will book and pay for your travel to campus – you are just expected to get yourself to your nearest airport or train station. Past Lantern Scholars have shared that the program is what helped them know that they would thrive at Bryn Mawr and gave them the confidence to apply.
What kind of programming can students expect over the 3 days on campus?
The programming is designed to give rising seniors the experiences they could expect to have as Bryn Mawr students – staying in the residence halls, attending classes, hanging out with current students, eating in the dining halls, and more. As students will be on campus for three days, they will have the opportunity to see the variety of dining options, understand the liberal arts classroom experience and teaching style, and meet students who have pursued a variety of academic and co-curricular experience at Bryn Mawr. The goal is that the program allows Lantern Scholars to really picture what their life could be like at Bryn Mawr and get a jumpstart on making connections with current students, professors, and campus resources.
The final day of the program is Bryn Mawr’s Fall Open House program, so Lantern Scholars will also get to connect with other prospective students from around the country who are also considering applying to Bryn Mawr.
"It is really meaningful to watch students grow and flourish throughout the program."
Any special memories from the program last year for you?
I loved getting to see how Lantern Scholars interacted with their Bryn Mawr student hosts. Some Lantern Scholars joined their hosts at theater rehearsal, while others got behind-the-scenes tours of our 13 residence halls, but what I loved most was seeing the bonding. We do our best to match Lantern Scholars with a host who may share an academic interest, hobby, or even a similar geographic background so that they can truly see themselves reflected in their hosts. We have also had several former Lantern Scholars, now Bryn Mawr students, serve as hosts this past year, which makes it especially meaningful to see the program’s connections continue across the years.
What have you found most meaningful about coordinating Lantern Scholars so far?
It is really meaningful to watch students grow and flourish throughout the program. We see Lantern Scholars shine in their applications, but most arrive on campus with a few key questions as they try to determine whether Bryn Mawr is the right fit for them. It is especially rewarding to watch students make connections with peers, faculty, and staff, attend classes, and grow more confident navigating campus. They leave the program with a clearer understanding of what it means to be part of a women’s college and a liberal arts institution.
Any advice you’d like to offer students in the college search process? How can a fly-in program help them build out a college list?
- When building your college list, focus on finding schools that are the right fit for you academically, socially, and financially. The goal is to identify colleges that will support your growth across all three areas, so you can thrive wherever you ultimately enroll.
- Keep in mind that what works for one student may not work for you. Take time to reflect on the types of environments where you do your best -- both inside and outside the classroom. Fly-in programs can be especially valuable as they give you the chance to experience a campus firsthand and test whether a school aligns with your expectations.
- Be open to exploring options beyond what’s familiar. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s, and discovering what truly fits you may mean stepping outside your comfort zone.
- It’s also important to seek out authentic perspectives. Conversations with current students, professors, and staff can offer insights you won’t find in brochures or websites, helping you better understand a college’s culture and community.
- Finally, after each interaction with a college -- whether it’s a campus visit, virtual event, or fly-in-- take a few notes on your impressions. What stood out? How did you feel? These reflections will make it much easier to compare schools and identify the environments where you’ll succeed.
Interested in Applying?
We know that a campus visit can be an important factor for students navigating the college search process, but we also recognize that the cost of visiting colleges can be a barrier for many students. Our Lantern Scholars fly-in program is designed to support rising high school seniors from first-generation and limited-income backgrounds to visit campus, stay in residence halls, attend classes, and explore student life at a liberal arts women’s college. Click the button below to learn more about our Lantern Scholars program.