Prestigious Scholarships
Prestigious scholarships are just that: PRESTIGIOUS.
- Those who apply
are not just competing against other students on campus, but against
other students around the country or around the world.
- Recipients are
a select few who not only have outstanding backgrounds, but also laboriously
followed the criteria of the scholarship.
- Recognition of these recipients and their work follows them through out their lives, frequently creating other prestigious academic and career opportunities for them.
Successful application to these scholarships takes considerable planning, research, critical thinking, and even some soul searching. Aside from the sundry documentation that is requested for an application packet, such as transcripts and letters of reference, many scholarships require a detailed, well-researched plan of study. This plan often includes practical considerations such as dates and places of intended study, feasibility, a budget, and acquiring a letter of invitation from a host institution. It also generally requires essays about academic application such as the significance of the proposed study (to the U.S. and host country as well as to the discipline), how it will affect career goals, why you want to do this study, and/or how the research information will be disseminated.
We strongly encourage our most talented Honors students to seek a Prestigious Scholarship EARLY in their undergraduate careers. Along with reading each synopsis below, please use the hyperlinks to consult the websites for information about these major scholarships (including eligibility requirements and application deadlines). Your most valuable resources for additional information are the WSU campus scholarship representatives (listed at the end of each scholarship listing). You are also welcome to talk to an Honors advisor (call 335-4505 for an appointment).
Boren Scholarships
http://nsep.aed.org/
Boren Fellowships support students pursuing the study of languages, cultures,
and world regions that are critical to U.S. national security but are
less frequently studied by U.S. graduate students, i.e., areas of the
world other than Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Applicants
must be U.S. citizens enrolled in, or applying to, a graduate degree program
in an accredited U.S. college or university. Boren Fellowship awards are
made for a minimum of one and a maximum of six academic semesters (24
months). Fellowships provide support for overseas or domestic study, or
a combination of both. The maximum award for overseas study is $10,000
per semester, for up to two semesters ($20,000 total). A maximum of $12,000
is available for a program of domestic study only. Support for domestic
study is limited to language or area studies which enhance a degree program.
The maximum level of support for a combined overseas and domestic program
is $28,000. See the Boren web site for application information. The National
Deadline varies from year to year but usually occurs in January or February.
The WSU deadline is approximately one month earlier. Contact Paul Svaren
for the specific dates. .
WSU representative: Paul Svaren, International
Programs, Bryan 108; 335-4508; svaren@wsu.edu
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Fulbright Scholarships
http://www.cies.org/about_fulb.htm
Pre-Doctoral Fellowships are offered to U.S. and foreign graduate students
and graduating seniors. Nearly 800 Americans are studying abroad with
either full or partial support from the Fulbright Program. Fulbright Scholars
lecture or conduct research in a wide variety of academic and professional
fields ranging from journalism and urban planning to music, philosophy,
business administration and zoology.
The application period for the 2005-2006 Fulbright U.S. Student Program
is now officially open (as of May 1, 2004). The deadline for applications
is October 21, 2004.
WSU representative: Paul Svaren, International Programs, Bryan
108; 335-4508; svaren@wsu.edu
Goldwater Scholarships
http://www.act.org/goldwater/
This is a scholarship program offered to outstanding undergraduate students,
awarded, in the spring of 2005 for use during the 2005-2006 academic year.
The awards will be made on the basis of merit to two groups of students
-- those who will be college juniors and those who will be college seniors
in the 2005-2006 academic year -- who have outstanding potential and intend
to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, or engineering.
Institutions must submit one original and one copy of all required documents
for each nomination to be received by December 3rd, 2004.
WSU representative: Dr. Mary Sanchez-Lanier, Assistant Dean, Heald
425, 335-3114; sanchez@wsu.edu
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Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
http://www.jackkentcookefoundation.org
This is an independent foundation, established in 2000 by the estate of
Jack Kent Cooke, to help young people of exceptional promise reach their
full potential through education. The Graduate Scholarship Program will
award approximately 35 scholarships to college seniors or recent graduates
to attend graduate programs. It will provide funding for tuition, room
and board, books, and other required fees for the length of the graduate
degree program, up to six years. The amount and duration of awards will
vary by student, based on the cost of attendance and length of the program
as well as other scholarships or grants received. The maximum award per
student is $50,000 per year. Candidates for this scholarship must be nominated
by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Faculty Representative at their undergraduate
institution. Candidates may not apply directly to the Foundation for this
program. The next application phase, October 2004, has begun. Consult
the Foundation website.
WSU representative: Dr. Howard D. Grimes, Dean of the Graduate
School, (509) 335-6412; grimes@wsu.edu
James Madison
Fellowship Award
http://www.jamesmadison.com
Eligible recipients must be a U.S. citizen or U.S. National; be, or plan
to become, a teacher of American history, American government or social
studies at the secondary school level (grades 7-12); possess a bachelor’s
degree on or before August 31 of the year you are applying for. Funding
covers master’s degree expenses, including tuition, required fees,
books, room and board. Costs are not to exceed $12,000/yr. for a maximum
of $24,000 (2 year program). Two types of fellowships are offered. Junior
fellowships are awarded to students who are about to, or have just finished
their undergraduate degrees. Senior fellowships are awarded to teachers
undertaking a master’s degree part time during the summer/evenings.
Senior fellows have five years to complete their degree. The graduate
degree must be 1) MA in American history or government, 2) Master of Arts
in Teaching (MAT) with a concentration on American Constitutional history,
American government, or political science, or 3) Master of Education (Med)
in American history, American government or political theory. Six of the
semester credits must be earned at Georgetown University at the Foundation’s
Summer Institute on the Constitution. Each year, a junior or senior fellowship
is awarded to each state and territory. Deadline March 1.
WSU representative: David Nice, Department of Political
Science, Johnson Tower 808, 335-8320, dnice@wsu.edu
Marshall Scholarships
http://www.marshallscholarship.org
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study
for a degree in the United Kingdom. At least 40 scholars are selected
each year to study either at graduate, or occasionally undergraduate,
level at an UK institution in any field of study. Each scholarship is
held for two years.
It is open only to United States citizens who (by the time they take up
their scholarship) hold a first degree from an accredited four-year college
or university in the United States, with a minimum GPA of 3.7. To qualify
for awards tenable from October 2005, candidates must have graduated from
their undergraduate college or university after April 2002. Scholarship
funds generally cover university fees, cost of living expenses, annual
book grant, thesis grant, research and daily travel grants, fares to and
from the United States and, where applicable, a contribution towards the
support of a dependent spouse. Applications are made in one of eight regions
in the United States. Candidates may apply in one region only - either
that in which they have their permanent home address or ordinary place
of residence/employment, or that in which they are studying. Closing date:
(For receipt of applications in appropriate regional centre in US) early-October
of year preceding tenure.
WSU representative: Dr. Mary Wack, Dean of the
Honors College and Interim Director, Office of Undergraduate Education,
509-335-4505 (Honors), mwack@wsu.edu
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Mitchell Scholarships
http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/scholarships.html
This is a competitive, national scholarship for graduate study by American
citizens between the ages of 18 and 30, at institutions of higher learning
on the island of Ireland. The online application for the 2005-2006 awards
is now available. Scholarships support one year of graduate study in any
discipline offered at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or
Northern Ireland. Scholars must be enrolled in a degree or certificate
program offered at the institution. The Mitchell Scholarship provides
tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and international travel.
Normally, 12 Scholarships are awarded each year. Mitchell Scholars must
exhibit superior levels of academic achievement, leadership and community
service. The application and all recommendations must be submitted online.
Apply online. The deadline for all required materials is midnight Pacific
Daylight Time on October 10, 2004.
Phi Beta Kappa
Scholarships
http://www.pbk.org/scholarships.htm
Phi Beta Kappa fosters and promotes the liberal arts through the Scholarships
and Awards it bestows upon those who have excelled in the liberal arts
and sciences. This is done through fellowships, service awards and literary
awards. The Mary Isabel Sibley Fellowship is awarded annually to young
women who wish to study Greek or French language and literature. Application
materials can be downloaded using the links below, or you may request
a hard copy by contacting the national office of Phi Beta Kappa. The deadline
for the 2005 application is January 15, 2005.
WSU representative: Kim Holapa, WSU Foundation, 335-2091; holapa@wsu.edu
Rhodes Scholarships
http://www.rhodesscholar.org/
American Rhodes Scholars are selected through a decentralized process
by which regional selection committees choose 32 Scholars each year from
among those nominated by selection committees in each of the fifty states.
Selection committees are charged to seek excellence in qualities of mind
and in qualities of person which, in combination, offer the promise of
effective service to the world in the decades ahead. The Rhodes Scholarships,
in short, are investments in individuals rather than in project proposals.
Accordingly, applications are sought from talented students without restriction
as to their field of academic specialization or career plans although
the proposed course of study must be available at Oxford, and the applicant's
undergraduate program must provide a sufficient basis for further study
in the proposed field. Rhodes Scholars are elected for two years of study
at the University of Oxford, with the possibility of renewal for a third
year. All educational costs, such as matriculation, tuition, laboratory
and certain other fees, are paid on the Scholar's behalf by the Rhodes
Trustees. Each Scholar receives an additional maintenance allowance adequate
to meet necessary expenses for term-time and vacations. The Rhodes Trustees
cover the necessary costs of travel to and from Oxford, and upon application,
may approve additional grants for research purposes or study-related travel.
CHECK THE WSU ENDORSEMENT PROCESS FOR SPECIAL DEADLINES; APPLICATIONS
MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 4. INSTITUTIONAL ENDORSEMENT
AND REFERENCE LETTERS ARE DUE OCTOBER 12. STATE INTERVIEWS ARE NOVEMBER
16 AND 17. DISTRICT INTERVIEWS ARE NOVEMBER 19 AND 20.
WSU representative: Dr. Mary Wack, Dean of the
Honors College and Interim Director, Office of Undergraduate Education,
509-335-4505 (Honors), mwack@wsu.edu
Rotary Scholarships
Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships http://www.rotary.org/foundation/educational/amb_scho/
Each year, Rotary will select up to 70 scholars to study at one of the
seven Rotary Centers worldwide. These Rotary World Peace Scholars will
begin two-year master's-level degree programs in conflict resolution,
peace studies, and international relations at one of the seven Rotary
Centers. Each Rotary district may nominate one candidate for a world-competitive
selection process. Scholarships cover a 21-month period. This period includes
two academic years as well as the three-month summer break between academic-year
periods. Applicants must hold an earned undergraduate degree from an accredited
college or university or its international equivalent (based on a four-year
curriculum); have proficiency in a second language (including the language
of the proposed host university -- see University Partners for individual
Rotary Center language requirements); possess excellent leadership skills;
demonstrate a commitment to peace and international understanding through
service, academic, or professional achievements; and hold citizenship
in a country where there is a Rotary club. Application must be made through
a Rotary club in the area of the applicant's legal or permanent residence
or place of full-time study or employment. Persons with disabilities and
members of Rotaract clubs are eligible and encouraged to apply. Each district
must set its own deadline for clubs to submit applications to the district
selection committee. District-endorsed 2005-07 Rotary World Peace Scholarship
applications are due to The Rotary Foundation by 1 October 2004. Pullman
District 5080, (509) 334-2000.
Truman Scholarships
http://www.truman.gov/
The Truman Scholarship is a $26,000 merit-based federal grant awarded
to undergraduate students, who wish financial support to attend graduate
or professional school in preparation for careers in government, the non-profit
sector or elsewhere in public service. Candidates must attend an accredited
U.S. college or university and be nominated by the institution's Truman
Faculty Representative [candidates MAY NOT apply directly], be U.S. citizens
or U.S. nationals, complete an application and write a policy recommendation,
be in the upper quarter of their junior class, except for residents of
Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa or the Northern
Marianas who must be in their senior class. The Foundation seeks candidates
who have extensive records of public and community service, are committed
to careers in government or elsewhere in public service, and have outstanding
leadership potential and communication skills. Financial need is not a
consideration. The Foundation expects to award 75-80 Truman Scholarships
in 2005. See the Bulletin of Information for details regarding eligibility,
nomination and selection procedures, and scholarship conditions. February
7, 2005, is the deadline for receipt of nominations for the 2005 Truman
Scholarship Competition.
WSU representative: Dr. David Nice, Political Science, Johnson
Tower 808; 335-8320; dnice@wsu.edu
Udall Scholarships
http://www.udall.gov/p_scholarship.htm
The Udall Scholarship seeks to reward undergraduates with the commitment
and potential to make significant contributions to the fields of the environment,
tribal health, or tribal governance. Approximately 80 scholarships of
up to $5,000 (and 30 scholarships of $350 to honorable mention recipients)
are awarded to outstanding students, to be known as Morris K. Udall Scholars.
The awards will be made on the basis of merit to TWO groups of students:
1) Those who are college sophomores or juniors in the current academic
year, have outstanding potential, and who study the environment and related
fields; and 2) Native American and Alaska Native students who are college
sophomores or juniors in the current academic year, have outstanding potential,
and who study fields related to health care or tribal public policy. To
be considered, a student must be nominated by his or her college or university
using the official nomination materials provided to each institution.
Graduating seniors and first-year undergrads (regardless of number of
credits) are not eligible. Udall Scholars have a broad range of academic
backgrounds and environmental, tribal governance, or health experience
with an equally broad scope of potential careers. Majors represented by
Udall Scholars include, but are not limited to: environmental science/
studies/engineering, agriculture, biology and other natural sciences,
natural resource
management, political science, sociology, anthropology, geography, cultural
studies, American Indian studies, philosophy, tribal policy, economic
development, history, English, theater, ecology,
landscape architecture, and public health. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen,
a permanent resident alien, or, in the case of nominees from American
Samoa, a U.S. national. The Udall Scholarship review committee must receive
the completed nomination package for candidates from a faculty representative
by March 3, 2005.
WSU representative: Dr. Mary Sanchez-Lanier, Assistant Dean, Heald
425, 335-3114; sanchez@wsu.edu
The web site of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC) at http://www.nchchonors.org/scholarships.htm.htm
contains useful links to other sites for Major Scholarships and Fellowships.
The Stanford University web site at
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/icenter/orc/ also contains valuable advice
for seeking a Prestigious Scholarship.
Contact Honors at 335-4505, honors@wsu.edu
for assistance in the process! Good luck!
Contact
us: honors@wsu.edu 509 335-4505 |
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