Freshman & Sophomore Years: Selected National Scholarship Opportunities
General Information & Tips for Prospective Fellowships Applicants
"Fellowship" is a term equivalent to "scholarship." In the present context, neither should be confused with traditional financial aid. This is a selective list of national and international competitive fellowships opportunities.
For most of the academic award programs below, applicants must already have attained sophomore standing. However, there are several programs that accept applications from first-year students for awards to be used during the sophomore year, including summer study abroad. The federal government, foreign governments, and private philanthropic organizations sponsor these award programs ; they provide funding based on academic merit and other criteria to support undergraduate study in the U.S. and abroad . See the individual programs' official websites for complete information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, application forms, and exact filing deadlines. Many sites also include profiles of past winners.
Some of these programs are officially coordinated at UR through the College Center for Academic Support ( CCAS , Lattimore 312; 5-2354) and are overseen by the Fellowships Coordinator (Belinda Redden, fellowships@mail.rochester.edu ) ; others are handled by the Center for Study Abroad (Lattimore 206, 5-7532, abroad@mail.rochester.edu ). Many programs do not require any formal University involvement, but students are encouraged to seek advisement from the relevant office for these competitions as well.
See the guide for first- and second-year students for suggestions on ways to improve one's competitiveness for fellowships. The guide also contains links to searchable fellowships databases.
When University nomination or endorsement is required, campus application deadlines are much earlier than the national application due dates; check with the appropriate office at least a semester in advance if you are interested in applying for any of these awards. In most cases, a faculty committee selects nominees based on a complete draft of the official fellowship application; the nomination process may also include an interview.
Note:
Programs preceded by an asterisk (*) require institutional endorsement of candidates. To be considered for nomination, interested students need to first complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application (as noted) by the specified spring or fall deadline, prior to submitting the official application for campus review.
Programs preceded by a percent sign (%) accept applications from first-year students .
* % David L. Boren/NSEP (National Security Education Program) Undergraduate Scholarship http://www.iie.org/nsep
• For undergraduates who are U.S. citizens and wish to study abroad in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, Central America, the Caribbean, or the Middle East .
• Provides up to $8,000/term for a summer, semester, or full academic year .
• Academic program must include formal study of a modern language other than English and the study of an area and culture considered critical to U.S. national security.
• Selection based on academic achievement and potential to succeed in the proposed study abroad experience; commitment to international education to fulfill academic and career goals; and the quality and appropriateness of the proposed program.
• Undergraduate application process coordinated through the Center for Study Abroad , Lattimore 206, abroad@mail.rochester.edu. Application usually due in early December .
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst / German Academic Exchange Service http://www.daad.org
• Program open to U.S. and Canadian citizens. Students who are citizens of countries outside North America may also apply for certain DAAD programs; see website for details.
• High Tech in Germany : sophomores through seniors majoring in an engineering or natural sciences field may apply to participate in this summer program that includes language study, specialized seminars and workshops, group projects, and lectures on German and European history and culture. No previous knowledge of German required. Partial scholarships available for highly qualified applicants . Application deadline: March 15th .
Department of Homeland Security Undergraduate Scholarships http://www.orau.gov/dhsed/
• Second-year college students who are U.S. citizens may apply for this two-year scholarship and internship program. Must be committed to DHS mission and willing to accept employment in a DHS, state, or local security- related office, lab, or research organization. Graduate school in a supported field immediately following completion of the bachelor's degree OK.
• Minimum 3.30/4.0 cumulative GPA required.
• Must be majoring in the physical, mathematical, computer, life, or social sciences, psychology, engineering, or selected humanities .
• Award covers full tuition and mandatory fees and also provides $1,000/month stipend for nine months during academic year plus $5,000 for 10-week summer internship .
• Application deadline: usually late February. Check program website for further details and application forms.
* % Freeman-ASIA Award Program http://www.iie.org/programs/freeman-asia/
• For undergraduates in any field to engage in credit-bearing study for a summer, semester, or academic year in East and Southeast Asia . Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who currently receive need-based financial aid or who can demonstrate verifiable financial need in order to study in Asia.
• Must have little or no previous experience in the country of application.
• Prior knowledge or study of an Asian language not required; however, study of an Asian language while abroad is strongly encouraged.
• Award amounts vary depending on length of program and financial need of applicant; range: $3,000-$7,000 .
• Application available online and must be officially endorsed by the Center for Study Abroad .
• Application deadlines : mid-October for spring programs, early March for summer, early April for fall.
* Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship http://www.iie.org/gilman
• For undergraduates in any field to pursue full-time international study worldwide but especially in countries outside of Western Europe and Australia . Open to U.S. citizens and nationals receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application.
• Study periods may be from four weeks up to an academic year but summer-only programs are not eligible.
• Study abroad program must be approved by the University for academic credit.
• Awards of up to $5,000 ; average award is $4,000.
• Application available online and must be officially endorsed by the Center for Study Abroad .
• Apply in the academic term prior to the start date of the study abroad program: early April or mid-September .
* Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship http://www.act.org/goldwater
• For outstanding sophomore and junior students (top 25% of class and minimum 3.75 cumulative GPA) in mathematics, natural sciences, or engineering who are preparing for graduate study (usually Ph.D. ) and research-oriented careers in their field. Open to U.S. citizens, resident aliens, or nationals.
• Worth up to $7500/year for the remaining year(s) of undergraduate study.
• * UR nomination required ; we may select four nominees .
• Selection made on the basis of superior academic achievement, research experience and scholarly potential,a research essay, and three letters of recommendation.
• Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall deadline. Complete, polished draft of the official application due in early November for the campus nomination process. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the November deadline. Nominees usually selected by early December.
• Approximately 300 Goldwater Scholars are selected each spring.
% Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute http://www.HSFI.ORG/
• Offers several award programs to Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Caribbean, and Central or
• South American students. Programs include Next Generation of Public Servants and the Institute for International Public Policy .
• See website for program details and application deadlines. Also see Office of Minority Student Affairs , Morey 310.
Humanity in Action Foundation Fellowship http://www.humanityinaction.org/
• International human rights education and internship program sponsored by foundation "devoted to the study and betterment of human rights and specifically the relationship between majority and minority populations."Students from any national background of sophomore through senior standing may apply.
• Students chosen from the U.S. travel to Washington, D.C. for orientation and then to a participating European country for 4-week European core program of seminars, workshops, site visits, and meetings with figures from various fields, such as academia, government, journalism, and human rights organizations. Fellows engage in outreach programs to their peers and local communities during the academic year following the summer program in Europe.
• Selection based on leadership potential, academic achievement, interest in minority issues, concern for human rights, willingness to engage in intellectually and socially rigorous work in group settings, maturity, and self- reliance.
• Foundation pays expenses for European travel and accommodations.
• Application deadline: early February. See program website for more detailed information, application forms, and exact filing deadline.
The Institute for Humane Studies Fellowship http://www.TheIHS.org
• For undergraduates and graduate students of any nationality who have a clearly demonstrated interest in the classical liberal/libertarian tradition of individual rights and free-market economies. Sophomores may apply for junior-year funding.
• Awards of up to $12,000 ; may be used at any degree-granting institution in the U.S. or abroad.
• Selection based on academic performance, relevant admission test scores (GRE, LSAT, SAT, etc.), demonstrated interest in classical liberal ideas, and potential to contribute to the advancement of a free society.
• Application can be downloaded and must be postmarked no later than December 31 st .
• Approximately 100 IHS Fellowships awarded each year.
* Institute for International Public Policy Fellowship http://161.58.87.106/content/index.cfm
• Federally sponsored program for sophomores from under-represented minority groups with strong interest in international affairs. Program aims " to enhance US national security and global competitiveness by promoting excellence, international service and cultural competence among a broader, more diverse cross-section of the American citizenry." Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.20 required .
• Program includes two summer policy institutes , a summer language institute, internships, graduate-school funding, and professional mentoring. Fellows must also participate in a study abroad program during the junior year.
• *UR endorsement required. Prospective applicants should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application in the fall (by December 1 st ) and submit a draft of the application for feedback by January 30th .
• Application available online and usually due in mid-March .
McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program http://www.rochester.edu/College/McNair-Program/
• For sophomores and juniors to pursue summer or academic-year research projects under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are (1) members of an underrepresented minority group (African American, Hispanic, or Native American) or (2) low-income, first-generation college students . Aim is to encourage these students to pursue doctoral degrees.
• Must have a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.8.
• Program offers academic-year option ($800 stipend ) or full-time summer option ($2400 stipend, room & board, and travel expenses) . Participants gain experience presenting their research and receive guidance on graduate-school application process.
• Contact Beth Olivares ( beth.olivares@rochester.edu ) or John Barker ( brkr@mail.rochester.edu ) in the McNair Program Office, Hylan 717, 5-7512 or 5-1402.
• Application deadlines: mid-December for academic-year program ; early February for summer program.
New York Women in Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) Foundation Scholarship http://www.nywici.org
• For undergraduates and graduate students majoring in a communications-related field and aspiring to a career in this area.
• Worth up to $10,000 .
• Selection criteria include academic excellence (minimum 3.5 GPA in major and 3.0 overall), financial need, leadership, campus and community service, honors, involvement in communications-related activities, personal essay, and statement of goals and aspirations. Two reference letters are also required.
• Application available online and usually due in late January.
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program (undergraduate) http://www.woodrow.org/public-policy
• For sophomores in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy. Open to U.S. citizens only.
• Applications encouraged from outstanding students (3.2 minimum GPA) from all ethnic, racial, and social backgrounds . For additional public policy program that seeks candidates from under-represented minority groups, see http://www.ppiaprogram.org/about/ .
• Recipients receive full academic support during the junior and senior years of college and during the first year of graduate study .
• Selection based on college honors and awards, financial need, and extracurricular and community activities.
• Fellows must commit to pursuing a graduate degree in international studies and to serve as a Foreign Service Officer for a period of time.
• Application available online and usually due in late January.
% Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/index.html
• For undergraduates and graduate students interested in studying abroad for an academic year, summer, or up to three years. U.S. citizenship not required; however, applicants must be citizens of a country in which there is a Rotary Club, and study must be completed in a country where Rotary exists.
• Students in any field are eligible, but candidates must possess some level of proficiency in the language of the country in which they wish to study.
• Awards cover tuition, books, travel, room, and board .
• Students apply through a Rotary Club in the area of their permanent residence or in the area where they attend school.
• Some degree of proficiency in the language of the host country is required.
• Application deadlines are set by local districts and can be very early. Typically, applications are due as early as February or as late as June of the year preceding the proposed international study , or approximately 12-16 months before the start of the study abroad program . For example, apply sophomore winter/spring for study abroad in junior spring or senior fall.
• Application available online as well as from Academic Support and Study Abroad (Lattimore 206).
% Tylenol Scholarship Program http://www.scholarship.tylenol.com
• For students majoring in an area that may lead to a health-related career
• Ten scholarships worth $10,000 and 150 scholarships worth $1,000 .
• Selection based on academic achievement and leadership in community and school activities.
• Application available online and usually due in late April .
* Morris K. Udall Scholarship http://www.udall.gov
• For sophomores and juniors in any major (1) with a strong demonstrated commitment to environmental issues OR (2) who are Native American/Alaska Native and also committed to healthcare and tribal public policy issues. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. nationals.
• $5,000 award. Students who win as sophomores may re-apply in the junior year.
• Minimum 3.55 cumulative GPA recommended.
• * UR nomination is required ; we may select up to six nominees .
• Selection based on academic achievement and honors, record of leadership and service, relevant work experience, letters of recommendation, and a critical essay discussing Congressman Udall's public policy work and its relation to the applicant's interests and career goals.
• Prospective candidates should complete the Fellowships Preliminary Application by the specified fall
deadline. Complete, polished draft application for the campus nomination process due in early January. It is strongly recommended that a first draft be submitted for feedback prior to the January deadline.
• Approximately 75 Udall Scholars selected each spring.
All-USA Today College Academic Team http://www.allstars.usatoday.com
• For undergraduates of at least sophomore standing who have distinguished themselves through high academic achievement, creativity, unusual service to others, and effective leadership .
• $2500 cash award. See scholar profiles online.
• Application requires an essay on most outstanding intellectual endeavor, which can be in scholarly research, the creative or performing arts, community service, or public affairs.
• Application available online and in Academic Support; usually due late November .
• 20 cash awards made each year.
Looking ahead to junior-year awards...
* Beinecke Memorial Scholarship http://www.BeineckeScholarship.org
$32,000 graduate-study award for juniors who have demonstrated exceptional ability ( 3.75 minimum GPA ) in the arts, humanities, or social sciences . Must also have history of receiving need-based financial aid. Open to U.S. citizens only. We may nominate one junior for the national competition.
* Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship http://www.act.org/goldwater
$7,500 undergraduate award for sophomore and junior math, science, and engineering majors of outstanding academic achievement (top 25% of class and 3.75 minimum GPA) and research promise who also plan to pursue an advanced graduate degree and a research-oriented career. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may apply. We may select four nominees .
Josephine de Kármán Fellowship http://www.dekarman.org
$16,000 award for senior year of undergraduate study. Juniors of any national origin pursuing studies in any discipline may apply . Special consideration given to qualified applicants in the humanities .
National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program http://ugsp.info.nih.gov
$20,000/year award for juniors from disadvantaged backgrounds committed to pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science health-related research. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.50 and be U.S. citizens, nationals, or qualified permanent residents.
* Harry S. Truman Scholarship http://www.truman.gov
$26,000 graduate-study award for juniors in the top 25% of class with a minimum 3.60 GPA and who plan to pursue careers in government or other public-service areas . Must be U.S. citizen or national at the time of application. We may select four nominees for the national competition.
* Morris K. Udall Scholarship http://www.udall.gov
$5,000 undergraduate award for sophomores and juniors (1) with a demonstrated committed to the environment ; or (2) of Native American/Alaska Native background and committed to tribal affairs and health care . Minimum 3.55 cumulative GPA recommended. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and nationals.
* UNCF-Merck Undergraduate Science Research Scholarship http://www. u ncf.org
$25,000 undergraduate award for African-American juniors who are life science or physical science majors ( minimum 3.30 cumulative GPA required; minimum 3.55 recommended) and who plan to pursue graduate study. Award also includes two paid summer internships at a Merck research facility (summer stipends totaling a minimum of $10,000). U.S. citizens and permanent residents eligible to apply.
Selected seachable fellowships databases:
http://scholarships.fatomei.com/
http://cuinfo.cornell.edu/Student/GRFN/