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Undergraduate Education
  • About
  • Learning Experiences
  • Advising and Transitions
  • Strategy and Retention
  • Student Resources
  • News and Updates

< About

  • Mission, Vision & Values
  • Leadership
  • Scholarships
  • What We Do
  • Undergraduate Education Staff Awards

< Learning Experiences

  • Academic Success Workshops
  • Diversity & Global Learning Activities
  • University Curriculum and Innovation
  • Global Tech
  • Military Science and ROTC
  • Spartan Early Start
  • Spartan Experience Record
  • Testing and Academic Student Support
  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Undergraduate Research
  • Undergraduate (UGS) Seminars

< Advising and Transitions

  • Cohort and Affinity Programs
  • Identity Conscious Activities
  • Student Transition
  • University Advising
  • Detroit M.A.D.E. Scholars Program
  • Lansing Spartan Scholars Program
  • Pathways Persistence Programs

< Strategy and Retention

  • Departure Survey
  • Envision Green
  • Spartan Undergraduate Experience Strategy
  • Strategic Retention Unit
  • Strategic Student Success Initiatives

< Student Resources

  • Where Do I Start?
  • Living on Campus
  • Where to Go for Help
  • Future Planning
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity and Inclusion
  • Arts and Culture
  • Getting to Know the Community
  • Enrollment

< News and Updates

Lansing Spartan Scholars Program

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Michigan State University
Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Education

Undergraduate Education
>
Advising and Transitions >

Lansing Spartan Scholars Program

Lansing Spartan Scholars

  • What you'll gain
  • Who's eligible?
  • Ready to apply?
  • Questions?

The Lansing Spartan Scholars Program (LSS) is a presidential initiative led by the Office of Undergraduate Education. LSS is committed to expanding pathways from Lansing to Michigan State University by increasing access to higher education through multiple routes, including direct enrollment from high school and transfer opportunities from community colleges and universities. Together, we’re working toward an 86% graduation rate at MSU—empowering students, strengthening our community and illuminating Lansing’s future!

What you’ll gain as a Lansing Spartan Scholar

Comprehensive support system

LSS is here to help Lansing students thrive at MSU by offering the guidance, resources, and opportunities needed to navigate college life with confidence. From day one, you’ll have access to LSS initiatives like Power Hours, quarterly coaching sessions, and support from the LSS Peer Mentor Team. These opportunities are designed to make your academic and social transition smoother while keeping you on track all the way to graduation.

Who’s eligible?

To be eligible for the Lansing Spartan Scholars (LSS) Program, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be admitted to MSU (any major is welcome)
  • Be eligible for the Lansing Promise Scholarship or Lansing Promise Guarantee
  • Have lived, attended, and graduated within the Lansing School District boundaries during grades 9–12 (public, private, charter, home, or online programs all qualify)

Cohort spaces are limited — spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis (35–40 scholars each year). Apply as early as possible!

A small group of students stand to the right of MSU's rock which is painted green with white words reading "Welcome Home" with a heart shape.

Ready to apply?

Spring 2026 Cohort Application Timeline

  • Dec. 23, 2025: LSS Drop-in FAQ Sessions via Zoom/Application Deadline
  • Dec. 24, 2025: LSS Spring 2026 Cohort Application Review
  • Dec. 29, 2025: LSS Spring 2026 Cohort Decisions will be sent via email
  • Jan. 5, 6, & 8, 2026: LSS Early Arrival LSS Coaching Sessions (tentative) 

Spring 2026 Application

2026-2027 Cohort Application Timeline

  • Dec. 22, 2025: Application is available (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for Fall 2026 consideration)
  • Jan. 26, 2026: 1st round of application reviews for Fall 2026 consideration (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until spots have been filled thereafter).
  • Feb. 16, 2026: 1st Round of LSS Fall 2026 Decisions will be sent via email  
  • March-May 2026: Fall 2026 LSS Admitted Scholar communication will be sent to personal/MSU emails
  • Oct. 1, 2026: Application is available (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis for Spring 2027 consideration)
  • Nov. 2, 2026: 1st round of application reviews for Spring 2027 consideration (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until spots have been filled thereafter).
  • Nov. 23, 2026: 1st Round of LSS Spring 2027 Decisions will be sent via email  
  • November-December 2026: Spring 2027 LSS Admitted Scholar communication will be sent to personal/MSU Emails 
2026-2027 Application
Students sit in roller chairs around a table while two individuals stand and lean in toward the middle at a tall paper object. They are in a classroom setting with a large digital screen displaying in the background.

Questions?

Reach out to LansingSpartanScholars@msu.edu to ask questions and learn more about the program. 

Dec. 4, 2025|Read time 5 mins.

Where proximity meets possibility: Lansing Spartan Scholars start building pathways at MSU

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Academic and career readiness

As a first-year Lansing Spartan Scholar, you’ll jumpstart your MSU journey through UGS 110—a seminar designed to help you build strong academic habits, get involved on campus, and support your overall well-being. 

Transfer Scholars will dive into MSU’s Big Ideas courses through UGS 201, where you can explore your interests, think creatively, and connect your passions to real-world challenges.

LSS also provides hands-on career development through our ExecConnect initiative, helping you find internships and professional opportunities that match your goals. You’ll receive personalized support—from resume building and LinkedIn setup to free professional headshots—thanks to our partnership with MSU’s Career Services Network.

High-impact experiences

Through LSS Experiential Learning Support, Scholars can access funding to pursue internships with Lansing businesses, participate in service-learning projects, strengthen their leadership skills, and get involved in undergraduate research. These hands-on opportunities are designed to help you grow, gain real-world experience, and build confidence as you work toward your future goals.

Inclusive community

LSS is a close-knit community of Lansing-area scholars who share similar experiences, aspirations, and a commitment to growth. Our program is built on creating strong connections, supporting academic success, and celebrating the diverse identities and lived experiences that each student brings to the Spartan community.

July 24, 2025|Read time 5 mins.

Welcoming new colleagues and programs to Undergrad Ed

April 25, 2025|Read time 5 mins.

UGS 210: Helping second-year students reflect, focus and build