Learn More About OBC
What is Our Beloved Community?
The goal of Our Beloved Community (OBC) is to introduce students from underrepresented groups and economically challenged backgrounds to all that Lafayette College has to offer. Programming includes time with campus partners and professors who support students throughout their Lafayette journey. You will also have the chance to conduct an admissions interview (if you have not already so) to add another dimension to your admissions application.
When is Our Beloved Community?
Programming for Our Beloved Community will begin at 10 am on Lafayette’s campus in Easton, PA, on December 7, 2024. We expect students will travel to campus on Friday, December 6. Students will depart campus early evening on Saturday, December 7.
Who can apply to Our Beloved Community?
All seniors who attend high school in the continental U.S. are welcome to apply. We encourage and seek out applicants from historically underrepresented groups in higher education, such as students who identify as African-American, Hispanic/Latinx American, Native American, and Asian-American, students from rural communities, first-generation students and those from economically challenged backgrounds.
Is Our Beloved Community a free program?
Yes! Meals and lodging are provided for all students admitted to the program. For individuals requiring financial assistance, transportation costs will be covered as well. Lafayette will provide bus transportation from some major hub areas, such as New York City.
How do I apply to attend Our Beloved Community?
An application is required of all students wishing to attend OBC. Due to space limitations, only a certain number of students will be invited to the program. In addition to biographical information, the application requires your GPA, your unofficial high school transcript, and a short essay on a community of which you are part. The deadline to apply is October 28, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.
I applied to Our Beloved Community and I also wish to apply to Lafayette. Do I qualify for an application fee waiver even if I am not selected to attend OBC?
Yes. Students who apply to OBC will receive a fee waiver. Students who engage with us in-person (on-campus visit, high school visit, college fair, etc) or virtually (virtual information session, tour, high school visit or interview, etc) receive a fee waiver. Each student receives only one email with the fee waiver information; you do not receive a fee waiver email each time you engage with us. Note that you may have already received a fee waiver if you have attended a Lafayette event.