About Distinguished Scholarship Invitational

Jessica Gore and Gore Scholars Karinton Newton, Chloe Strecker and Karaline Scott

In 1952, Theodore and Ralph Gore established the Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship in memory of their father, Harry Gore, a Russian immigrant who placed a high priority on education. This extraordinary scholarship has been awarded annually since 1954 to freshmen entering Wichita State who display outstanding potential for leadership. It has become one of the most prestigious and coveted awards in the United States and encourages personal growth and involvement in leadership positions.

Through the DSI process, three students will ultimately be awarded with $80,000 to attend Wichita State University in the fall. Gore Scholars are highly involved in student activities and are leaders across the Wichita State campus. There is not one type of person who makes a successful Gore Scholar. Each is unique and able to express their opinions through activities they pursue on campus.

In addition to the Gore Scholarships, DSI participants are also considered for these awards:

• Richard D. Smith scholarship - $80,000
• Mike & Mary James scholarship - $40,000
• Mark & Stacy Parkinson scholarship - $34,000
• Passage 2 Success scholarships - $8,000 - $20,000
• DSI Semifinalist Scholarships - $4,000

In addition to the group activities, you will submit the scholarship competition application. Take your time on this – it's the other half of your score in the DSI competition! Some tips as you think about the application:

• Write your essays in Word and transfer them into the application.
• Have someone proofread your essays several times.
• Include all of your accomplishments and leadership roles in your activities chart.
• Brag about yourself! If you're going to brag, a scholarship application is the place to do it.

If you choose to participate, you can expect to take part in the activities below on the day of the competition. These activities make up half of your score for the DSI competition!

In this session, your group will be given a scenario and asked to solve the problem. Observers will be watching how your group interacts with one another. Things to think about:

• Are you listening to others' ideas?
• Are you participating in the discussion?

In this session, observers will ask each student in your group a question. The questions are opinion-based, so there are no right or wrong answers. Things to think about:

• Are you answering the question with confidence and showing your personality?
• Are you answering in a concise manner?

In this session, your group will be given a topic and asked to discuss several main points. Observers will be watching how your group interacts with one another, and your group will present your findings to the observers. Things to think about: 

• Is everyone in your group involved in the process? Are you working together?
• Did your group cover all of the main points of the topic? Do you have a plan to present?

• November 2026 – Applications are reviewed and scored.
• Nov. 21, 2026 – DSI competition held on campus.
• By week of Dec. 4, 2026 – Students will receive notification about moving forward as a DSI semifinalist.
• Dec. 12, 2026 – Celebratory event for DSI semifinalists. This is not a mandatory or scored event. It's simply a way to celebrate being a semifinalist with other students from the competition.
• By Dec. 18, 2026 –
  • Semifinalists will receive notification about moving forward as a DSI finalist.
  • Announcement of Smith Scholar.
• Jan. 21, 2027 – DSI finalists will participate in a final interview with the Gore Scholar selection committee.
• Jan. 29, 2027 – Announcement of Gore Scholars.
• February 2027 – Announcement of James, Parkinson and Passage 2 Success Scholars

Benefits include:

• Scholarships. Three students are awarded the $80,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships. The finalists and semifinalists receive scholarships that can be stacked with Freshman Merit Scholarships. All students who participate in DSI are considered for Freshman Merit Scholarships and additional scholarship dollars that may arise throughout the year.
• Meeting other students who are considering attending Wichita State in the fall
• Gaining confidence in yourself through public speaking and small group activities