Some of America's greatest success stories started with little more than raw talent, determination, and a vision to improve the world. Palmer Luckey build the first Oculus prototype in his parents' garage at age 16, eventually selling the company to Facebook and later transforming defense tech through Anduril. Patrick Collison started Stripe with his brother when he was 22, revolutionizing how businesses process payments online. Michael Dell assembled PCs in his dorm before building Dell Technologies into $50 billion tech powerhouse.
UATX is seeking the next generation of great builders and founders through its Lonsdale Magaro Build Scholarship. This $100,000 award -- provided over four years of undergraduate study -- identifies exceptional students who combine technical expertise with civic purpose.
Build Scholars are mentored by luminaries in the UATX Talent Network, including Joe Lonsdale, co-founder of Palantir, Addepar, OpenGov, and 8VC, and Alex Magaro, who helped scale Meritage Group into one of the world's leading investment firms.
Both mentors understand firsthand how the right guidance can accelerate a career, and they are committed to working closely with scholars to identify major challenges facing society, discover and develop students' unique strengths, and build the team, networks, and skills necessary for entrepreneurial success.
The ideal Build Scholar excels academically, particularly in STEM fields, strongly values American principles of freedom, merit, and innovation, and is dedicated to solving meaningful problems that strengthen our nation's future.
Scholarship awards are made on a rolling basis. Only students admitted to University of Austin's undergraduate degree program may apply.
What do you hope to build with your University of Austin education, and how will it strengthen the United States of America? Share with us a project design that falls within one of the following categories: (i) STEM, (ii) public policy and civil society, or (iii) arts and media. Word limit: 1000.
You may choose to submit any supplemental materials you believe would advance our understanding of your proposed project. This might include a product design, portfolio of artwork, PowerPoint or pitch deck, short video clip, etc.
The Build Scholarship is a competitive four-year scholarship program designed for exceptional students enrolled in the University of Austin's undergraduate degree program.
Build Scholarships cannot be carried over to a future academic year if a student chooses to defer their offer of admission. Any student deferring enrollment forgoes any financial aid (including Build Scholarships) awarded to such student and will need to re-apply for such financial aid at a future date. If a student withdraws from the University or transfers to another institution, any amounts outstanding under the Build Scholarship award shall be forfeited.
Continued eligibility for and future disbursements of your Build Scholarship depend on, among other things, remaining in good standing with the University. Violations of the University’s Academic Integrity Policy or Student Code of Conduct, any criminal violations, or any other activity requiring disciplinary action from the University, may result in the suspension, revocation, or forfeiture of your Build Scholarship award. See the University’s Academic Catalog for additional information.
For a complete description of all terms and conditions, contact the Office of Financial Aid.