For the first twenty years of the Citizen Scholars program, fifth grade students within a school district were identified on a rotating basis; only one school district per year was able to nominate students. Once nominated, the candidates were selected by Citizen Scholar program staff and volunteers. Each Scholar was assigned a mentor beginning in the sixth grade and continuing through high school graduation. Upon graduation from high school, each Scholar was eligible for scholarships in the total amount of $10,500 (last dollar need met) while completing college. 
​New Scholars have not been added to the Legacy Model since 2015.