National Fellowships and Scholarships

Purpose:

To support undergraduates as they complete their undergraduate education in pursuit of a career in public service. 

General Guidelines:

Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Plan to enroll full-time in their junior year of study at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States in the fall. Eligible students are:
  • Finishing sophomore year in the spring proceeding their applicaiton
  • Or transferring from a two-year to a four-year college for their junior year (to begin after the applicaiton cycle)
• Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
• Have demonstrated a commitment to public service
• Plan to pursue a career in public service upon gradaution
• be a United States (US) citizen, US permanent resident (holder of a Permanent Resident Card), or an individual granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA)  

Award:

• $50,000, with $25,000 awarded per year in "last dollar" financial aid for junior and senior years of college.   
• $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing to pursue a summer work-travel experience between their junior and senior year of college. 
• 10-year travel stipend. After graduation, Airbnb will provide the students with a $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years, totaling $20,000. This will allow students to continue to broaden their horizons and forge new connections throughout their public service careers.    

Lear more at: https://www.obama.org/voyager-scholarship/

Contact the Honors College, Honors@bgsu.edu with additional questions. 

Purpose:

Encourage outstanding students to pursue research careers in mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering.

General Guidelines:

• Major in mathematics, natural sciences or engineering with the intention of pursuing research in those fields. (a full list of majors is on the website)
• Full-time matriculated sophomore (4 semesters completed) or junior (a student who has one more year, 2 semesters, of full-time undergraduate study).
• Grade average of at least a B.
• Be in the upper fourth of their class
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or a U.S. national

Nomination Process:

Institutional nomination is required for this scholarship

• Initial information: Complete the Prospective Applicant Form and then meet with Honors College Staff by October 6th. 
• Application: Complete the BGSU Goldwater Scholarship Pre-application (available here). This application is due by October 13th.
• Recommendations: Applicants will need three faculty recommendations. A student will list three recommendations and their email addresses in the application. Faculty will be contacted via email to complete the online recommendation form.
• Nomination: All students must be nominated by their college or university designated Goldwater faculty representative (Dr. Simon Morgan-Russell).

Requirements:

• Student essay written by the student relating to the student’s chosen career.
• University transcript.
• Current resume.
• Copy of the student’s Permanent Resident card and letter of intent to become a U.S. citizen, if student’s citizenship status is permanent resident.

Faculty Support:

• Faculty Online Recommendations for student’s in their field of study.
• Faculty Mentorship through the scholarship process.

Award

• $7,500 Annually

Learn more!   http://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/  

Contact the Honors College with additional questions.

Purpose:

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Marshall Scholars strengthen the enduring relationship between the British and American people, their governments and their institutions. Marshall Scholars are talented, independent and wide-ranging, and their time as scholars enhance their intellectual and personal growth. Their direct engagement with Britain through its best academic programs contributes to their ultimate personal success.

Criteria:

Assessment will be based on academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential. Selection committee will be looking for candidates who have the potential to excel as scholars, leaders and as contributors to improved UK-US understanding

General Guidelines:

To qualify for the award, candidates should:

• Be citizens of the United States of America (at the time they apply for a scholarship).
• Hold their first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in the United States (by the time they take up their scholarship).
• Have obtained a grade point average at least 3.7 during their undergraduate career. (Exceptions are rarely considered and only on the specific recommendation of the sponsoring college.)
• Have graduated from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2015.
• Not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree equivalent qualification from a British University or GCSE or A level qualifications undertaken in the UK.

Candidates are only allowed to apply for either the one year or the two year Marshall Scholarship. Any candidate found applying for both will automatically be disqualified.

Requirements:

• Application.
• Endorsement from President, Provost, or Academic Dean.
• Recommendations.

Faculty Support:

• Letters of recommendation regarding the character and intellect of the applicant, including academic, personal, extra-curricular and leadership achievements.
• Faculty mentorship through application process.

Awards:

• Funding for undergraduate or graduate work at a University in the United Kingdom. Room and board is included along with traveling expanses.

Learn More!  http://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu) with additional questions.

Purpose:

The Rhodes Scholarships are postgraduate awards supporting outstanding students at the University of Oxford, and providing transformative opportunities for exceptional individuals. Rhodes Scholarship selection committees will be seeking young women and men of outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service.

Criteria:

The criteria which Mr. Rhodes set forth in his will still guide committees of selection in their assessment of applicants. The will contains four standards by which prospective Rhodes Scholars should be judged:

• Literary and scholastic attainments.
• Energy to use one’s talents to the fullest, as exemplified by fondness for success in sports.
• Truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy for the protection of the weak kindliness, unselfishness and fellowship.
• Moral force of character and instincts to lead, and to take an interest in one’s fellow beings.

General Guidelines:

• Citizen of the U.S or lawful permanent resident of the United States prior to and including at least five years of the application deadline.
• At least 18 but not yet 24 years of age (applicant must still be 23 on October 1 in the year of the application).
• Achieved academic standing sufficiently advanced to assure completion of a bachelor's degree by the October following election.
• Endorsement from college or university.

Nomination Process:

• All students must be nominated by their college.
• Application completed by student.
• Five to eight faculty recommendations.

Requirements:

• Application.
• Five to eight letters of recommendation (at least four must be from faculty who have taught them).
• Personal statement not exceeding 1,000 words. Clear statement of what the applicant wishes to study at Oxford.
• Curriculum vitae/resume or list of principal activities.
• Proof of citizenship.
• Passport sized photo.
• Certified transcript(s).

Faculty Support:

• Letters of recommendation regarding the character and intellect of the applicant, including academic, personal, extra-curricular and leadership achievements.
• Faculty mentorship through application process.

Award:

• Rhodes Scholars are appointed for two years of study at the University of Oxford. No restrictions to the field of study.
• All educational costs – matriculation, tuition, laboratory and certain fees – are provided by the Rhodes Trustees. In addition, the scholarship provides a maintenance allowance and traveling expenses to and from Oxford. Additional funds for research needs or study-related travel are available upon application and approval of the Rhodes Trust.

Learn more! http://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/apply

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu) with additional questions.

Purpose:

To support students who plan to have an impact on a particular issue or community.  Whether this impact would best be felt via policy change, direct services or advocacy is up to the individual scholar.

General Guidelines:

• At the time of application, must be a full-time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree with junior-level academic standing or senior level standing in the third year of college enrollment.
• U.S. citizen.
• Career goal to work in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest/advocacy sector to improve these conditions.
• Students who are committed to work in public service for three of the first seven years after they complete a Foundation-funded graduate degree.
• Students who would like to get a master's degree, doctorate or a professional degree such as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy or Master of International Affairs.
• Has participated extensively in two or more of the following sets of activities:
  • Student government and/or campus-based extracurricular activities.
  • Community service-related activities that were not organized by my school or by my fraternity/sorority.
  • Government internships, commissions or boards, advocacy or interest groups, nonpartisan political activities, or military/ROTC.
  • Partisan political activities and campaigns.

Nomination Process:

Institutional nomination is required for this scholarship

• Initial information: Complete the Prospective Applicant Form and then meet with Honors College Staff by October 6th. 
• Application: Complete the BGSU Truman Scholarship Pre-application (available here). This application is due by October 13th.
• Recommendations: Applicants will need three recommendations. A student will list three recommendations and their email addresses in the application.
• Nomination: All students must be nominated by their college or university designated Truman faculty representative (Dr. Simon Morgan-Russell).

Requirements:

• Student policy proposal written by the student relating to the student’s chosen career.
• University transcript.
• Current resume.

Faculty Support:

• Faculty recommendations for students in their field of study and leadership experiences.
• Faculty mentorship through the scholarship process.

Award:

• $30,000 scholarships for graduate work.

Learn more!  http://www.truman.gov/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions. This scholarship requires institutional nomination in order to apply. Please note the deadlines and process to seek nomination below. 

Purpose:

Research/study in another country for one academic year or to teach English abroad.  During their grants, Fulbrighters will meet, work, live with and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences.  The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things and the way they think. Individuals will interact with their hosts on a one-to-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.

General Guidelines: 

• Must be a US citizen.
• Seniors and grad students may apply (must have a bachelor’s degree by the time the award starts).
• May not have extensive experience living in the chosen country.

Nomination process:

Any student may apply; however there is a campus screening committee and interview.

Requirements:

• Personal essay.
• Statement of grant purpose.
• Three references.
• Transcript.
• For research/study grants, a letter of affiliation.
• Foreign language may be required.

Faculty support:

• Letters of recommendation.
• Mentorship throughout the application process.

Awards and deadlines:

• Round-trip airfare.
• Monthly stipend for living expenses.
• Accident and sickness insurance.
• Language study.
• In-country orientations.

Learn More!  us.fulbrightonline.org

Contact Michelle Ploeger, Coordinator of Education Abroad, International Programs and Partnerships, with additional questions:
419-372-7680
mploege@bgsu.edu
edabroad@bgsu.edu  

Purpose:

Boren Scholarships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

General Guidelines:

• An undergraduate student
• A U.S. citizen at the time of application
• A high school graduate, or have earned a GED
• Matriculated in an undergraduate degree program located within the United States accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Boren Scholars must remain matriculated in their undergraduate programs for the duration of the scholarship and may not graduate until the scholarship is complete.
• Applying to a study abroad program that meets home institution standards in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. Boren Scholarships are not for study in the United States.

Selection Process:

• All students must complete the online Boren application.
• Forward the completed application to the campus representatives (Michelle Ploeger and Dr. Kacee Ferrell Snyder) by the campus deadline.
• National Boren Scholarship Deadline is followed by Campus Representative Evaluation Deadline.

Requirements:

• Completed Boren application.
• Completed letters of reference – two letters required; third letter is optional.
• Official university transcript from all colleges and universities attended. First year students must also include high school transcripts.
• Choose one of the following:
  • One page study abroad program description with cost information. (This may be a page from the program's website or a photocopy of part of the program brochure.)
  • If you set up a direct enrollment or individually arranged study abroad program, please provide two letters of support. The first letter should be from your home institution and the second letter should be from your overseas host institution.
• Language self-assessment (Language self-assessment guide)
• Language proficiency form (optional).

Award

• Up to $20,000 to study abroad.

Learn more! Boren Awards

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, CLS provides study opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning.

General Guidelines:

• U.S. citizen
• Enrolled in a U.S. degree granting program: associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or a professional degree;
• In a degree granting program physically located in the United States, however, currently enrolled students who are currently on study abroad programs are eligible
• Undergraduate students must have completed one year of study and be 18 years of age at the start of the program
• In acceptable mental and physical health
• Able to get a visa to the host country.

* Please note that you are eligible to apply for one language only. If you submit more than one application, you will not be considered for a scholarship in any language.

Selection Process:

• Complete the CLS application.
• CLS applications are reviewed by language faculty, education abroad professionals, area specialists, and the fellowship advisor.
• Institutional Endorsements are not required.
• Submit final CLS application by the deadline

Requirements:

Applicants must submit the following:

• A completed on-line application (available at http://www.clscholarship.org/).
• Transcripts from all colleges attended.
• Two letters of recommendation.

Award

The CLS Program covers most of the costs of participating in its overseas institutes, including:

• International and domestic travel between the student's U.S. home city, Washington, D.C., and the CLS Program site
• Related costs for a mandatory pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C.
• Visa fees, language instruction, room, board, program-sponsored travel within the host country
• All entrance fees for program activities
• U.S. academic credit issued through Bryn Mawr College

Learn more! http://www.clscholarship.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.

General Guidelines:

• U.S. citizen
• Earn bachelor's degree before September 2019
• Age 18-29 on September 29, 2018
• Currently enrolled full-time undergraduate student

(Institutional endorsements ARE NOT required for recent graduates, graduate students, part-time students, or non-students. Therefore these groups ARE NOT required to submit a campus application.)

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Students must receive campus endorsement prior to applying.
• Four letters of recommendation (at least two must be from persons with whom the applicant has done academic work at a college or university).
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• A completed on-line application
  (available at us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship).

Award

The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides tuition, accommodation, a stipend for living expenses and travel for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Learn more! us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need.

General Guidelines:

• U.S. citizen
• 3.2 GPA
• Planning to enroll in a graduate program in Fall after application for Pickering is complete.

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Completed online application.
• Two letters of recommendation – one must be from a professor, faculty member, or instructor.
• Statement of financial need.
• Official financial aid award letter from applicant’s last year of undergraduate studies if Financial Aid was received.
• FAFSA for most recent year.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Copy of GRE/GMAT scores – optional.

Award

Up to $37,500 in funding for each year toward a two-year graduate program at a U.S.-based institution in an area of relevance to the Foreign Service and two internships (one overseas).

Learn more! https://pickeringfellowship.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The Rangel Program is a U.S. State Department program administered by Howard University that seeks to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers as diplomats in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State. The program seeks individuals interested in helping to shape a freer, more secure and prosperous world through formulating, representing, and implementing U.S. foreign policy. The Program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service, women, and those with financial need.

General Guidelines:

• U.S. citizen
• 3.2 GPA
• Full-time undergraduate students with at least sophomore status.

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Completed online application.
• Three letters of recommendation – two must be from a faculty members, one from a community leaders who can comment on applicant’s non-academic accomplishments and potential as an emerging leader.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Award

Scholars receive tuition, travel, room and board, and a stipend of $3200.

Learn more! http://www.rangelprogram.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The Rangel Graduate Fellowship is a program that aims to attract and prepare outstanding young people for careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Department of State in which they can help formulate, represent and implement U.S. foreign policy.

General Guidelines:

• U.S. citizen
• 3.2 GPA

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Completed online application.
• Personal statement.
• Statement regarding need of financial assistance to attend graduate school.
• Two letters of recommendation. One must be from a faculty member and one from a community leader who can comment on the applicant’s non-academic accomplishments and potential.
• Student Aid Report from FAFSA
• Official Financial Aid Statement from senior year, if Financial Aid was received
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Copy of GRE/GMAT scores – optional.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Award

Fellows receive up to $37,500 annually for a two year period for tuition, room, board, books and mandatory fees for completion of two-year master’s degrees. This includes up to $21,500 per year for tuition and mandatory fees and an academic year stipend of $16,000. At the conclusion of two years of study, the Rangel Fellow is expected to have obtained a degree in international affairs or another area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service at a graduate school approved by the Rangel Program. Awardees are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 throughout their period of study.

Learn more! http://www.rangelprogram.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The goal of the PPIA Fellowship Program is to help students achieve a Master’s or joint degree, typically in public policy, public administration, international affairs or a related field. The organization does this through the intensive study provided by participation in a Junior Summer Institute (JSI), through partnerships with universities across the country, and through an alumni network that provides opportunities to connect with nearly 4000 individuals who share the same interest in public service.

General Guidelines:

• U.S. citizen or legal permanent citizen. International students, who are currently studying at U.S. institutions are eligible to apply, and may be accepted to study at select U.S. institutions.
• Applicants must have an expected graduation date between December and August of the year they wish to apply (be in their senior year).
• Must not have attained a Bachelor’s Degree before start of Junior Summer Institute.
• Must be committed to completing a Master’s Degree in public and/or international affairs at one of the PPIA Consortium graduate schools.
• Must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a professional career associated with public services such as government, nonprofits, humanitarian and international organizations and other related programs.
• Must be interested in contributing to the diversity of perspectives present in the PPIA Fellowship Program.
• Economic need is considered during the review of applications.
• All academic majors are welcome to apply!

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Completed online application.
• Information about your financial situation (see website for details).
• Two letters of recommendation. One from someone familiar with your educational accomplishments and one from someone familiar with your public service activities or interests.
• A copy of your current resume.
• Unofficial transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• Copy of financial aid award letter for previous year.
• Student Aid Report (SAR) or Parent/Guardian’s tax forms if you are not receiving financial aid.

Award

• Full tuition at a PPIA Junior Summer Institute.
• Eligibility to receive assistance with travel expenses.
• A stipend of up to $1,500 (funding determined by each JSI).
• University housing with a meal plan.
• Books and related course materials at your JSI.
• Each JSI may offer additional benefits, such as GRE preparation, at their discretion. Please check with each JSI about any additional benefits.
• Minimum of a one-time $5,000 scholarship at a PPIA graduate school if admitted for a Master’s degree. PPIA Fellows often receive financial offers above and beyond this minimum from their graduate program.
• Fee waiver when applying to schools that are members of the PPIA Graduate School Consortium.

Learn more! https://ppiaprogram.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical need languages

General Guidelines:

• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions).
• Be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.
• Be in the process of applying to, or accepted for, a study abroad or internship program of at least two weeks for community college students and three weeks for students from four-year institutions, in a single country and eligible for credit from the student’s home institution. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement.
• Students are eligible to apply for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System. Certain areas within these countries may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either “Do not travel to” (Level 4) or “Reconsider travel to” (Level 3) locations, as such; students will not be allowed to travel to these areas.

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Completed online application.
• Transcripts (official or unofficial) from all colleges and universities attended.
• Online certifications from Education Abroad and Financial Aid.

Award

Award amounts will vary depending on the length of study and student need. Applicants who are studying a critical need language while abroad in a country in which the language is predominantly spoken can apply for a supplemental award of up to $3,000, for a combined total of $8,000. This award is competitive and offered to a limited number of Gilman scholars each year. Not all students who are studying these languages will receive $8,000. In addition to receiving additional funds for language study, students who are awarded the Critical Need Language Award and complete their Gilman Scholarship requirements will be offered the opportunity to take the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). This test and the results will serve as both an evaluation measure of the award and as a credential for the award recipient.

Learn more! https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.

Purpose:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to outstanding applicants from countries outside the UK to pursue a full-time postgraduate degree in any subject available at the University of Cambridge. The aim of the Gates Cambridge program is to build a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.

General Guidelines:

• a citizen of any country outside the United Kingdom.
• Must be a senior or graduate student.
• applying to pursue one of the following full-time residential courses of study at the University of Cambridge:
  • PhD (three year research-only degree)
  • MSc or MLitt (two year research-only degree)
  • One year postgraduate course (e.g. MPhil, LLM, MASt, Diploma, MBA etc.).

Selection Process and Requirements:

• Submit an application for graduate admission, a college place and funding – including a Gates Cambridge Scholarship – via the University’s Graduate Applicant Portal.
• Reference letter.
• Up to date CV or resume.
• No endorsement is required from BGSU, but scholarship advising is available.

Award

Award amounts include University Composition Fee, a maintenance allowance, economy airfare at the beginning and end of the course, inbound via costs and cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge. There is also possible additional funding on a discretionary basis.

Learn more! www.gatescambridge.org

Contact the Honors College (Honors@bgsu.edu), with additional questions.