Major Scholarships for Trinity University Students

Students selected by a faculty committee may seek nominations for competitive scholarships and fellowships and be elected to academic honor societies. The Office of Academic Affairs and faculty advisors will guide them through the application and interview procedures.

For information about Major Scholarships & Fellowships Recipients and Nominees click here.

For Other Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities listed by class year click here.

BEINECKE SCHOLARSHIP
www.beineckescholarship.org

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Nicolle Hirschfeld, Department of Classical Studies

Summary:

The program seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue opportunities available to them and to be courageous in the selection of a graduate course of study.  Since 1975 the program has selected more than 430 college juniors from 100 different schools for support during graduate study at any accredited university.  Each scholar receives $4,000 immediately prior to entering graduate school and an additional $30,000 while attending graduate school.  There are no geographic restrictions on the use of the scholarship, and recipients are allowed to supplement the award with other scholarships, assistantships and research grants.  Scholars are encouraged to begin graduate study as soon as possible following graduation from college, and must utilize all of the funding within five years of completion of undergraduate studies.  Trinity can nominate one student per year for the award.  Approximately 100 schools can nominate students, and approximately 20 awards are granted each year.

Requirements:

• Awards are exclusively for graduate study in the arts, social sciences, or humanities (not for professional school or for study in the natural sciences).
• To qualify, a student must have demonstrated financial need (normally this means they must be receiving need-based financial aid at Trinity).
• Students must apply in the junior year (i.e., this year’s applicants should be students who will graduate in 2012-2013).
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
• Candidates must “have demonstrated superior standards of intellectual ability, scholastic achievement and personal promise” during their undergraduate career.  To be considered to be Trinity’s nominee, candidates should have a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or above.

FULBRIGHT
http://us.fulbrightonline.org/home.html

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Sarah Pinnock, Department of Religion

Summary:

The U.S. Government sponsored Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides future American leaders with unparalleled opportunities to study and conduct research in other nations.  Fulbright student grants aim to increase mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange while serving as a catalyst for long-term leadership development.  The U.S. Student Program awards approximately 1,000 grants annually and currently operates in over 140 countries worldwide.  Fulbright full grants generally provide funding for round-trip travel, maintenance for one academic year, health and accident insurance and full or partial tuition, when appropriate.  Fulbright travel-only grants are also available to limited countries.

The Fulbright program also provides teaching grants overseas to new graduates that are like “typical” Fulbright fellowships but require half-time English teaching in a wide variety of countries around the world.  Applicants for “English Teaching Assistant” Fulbrights propose to spend the other half of their time learning about the country in which they are placed.  These assignments require ability to teach English and work with secondary school students essential as assistants to regular local English faculty, and an outline of a subject of study.  The timeline and process for the application is the same as for the “typical” research fellowship application.  Campus deadline is September 30 of the senior year, and students are encouraged to explore Fulbright possibilities in their junior year.  May 1 is the deadline for juniors to submit a one page preliminary project statement to the campus faculty sponsor.

Requirements:

Must be U.S. citizen at the time of application and hold a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent by the beginning of the grant.

• For research proposals: a project that is solidly grounded in undergraduate training and is aimed at laying the foundation for further advanced work in a graduate program.
• For Fulbright teaching assistantships (only in certain countries—see the website): willingness to work with a local co-teacher to teach English in secondary schools while also carrying out a limited program of research and/or language training related to the host country.
• Knowledge of host country and rationale for placement
• GPA 3.4 or higher

GATES CAMBRIDGE SCHOLARSHIP
www.gatesscholar.org

Faculty Sponsor:  None
Point of Contact:  Dr. Sheryl Tynes, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Summary:

The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are relatively recent in origin.  In 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation gave a start-up grant of $210 million to Cambridge University to endow a new scholarship program based loosely on the model of the Rhodes Scholarships at Oxford.  In just a few short years the Gates Scholarships have become coveted achievements and vehicles for future success by students worldwide.  The program's purpose is to allow students to pursue graduate study at Cambridge University, one of Europe's most celebrated and historic institutions.  In recent years the program has funded approximately 230 students at any given time; each year they seek to add another 100, mostly for Masters-level studies in any one of Cambridge's many graduate programs.  About 40 students a year are selected from the USA.  The program is broadly international in scope. 

Requirements:

Some idea of the criteria may be gained from the following statement from the program's website: "In selecting Gates Cambridge Scholars, the Trust looks for students of exceptional academic achievement and scholarly promise for whom advanced study at Cambridge would be particularly appropriate. The Trust expects a good match to be made between the applicant's qualifications and aspirations and what Cambridge has to offer. Successful applicants will have the ability to make a significant contribution to their discipline while in Cambridge, with a strong aptitude for research, analysis and a creative approach to defining and solving problems."  See www.gatesscholar.org for current program information. 

These scholarships are highly competitive.  If selected, Gates Cambridge Scholars each receive a financial package that covers all tuition, fees, housing, and a "discretionary allowance" of approx. $4,000.  One roundtrip airfare to and from England is automatically covered.  Selection criteria are broad, and include leadership potential, intellectual ability, and a desire to use your skills "to improve the lives of others" worldwide. 

What is the application process?  Because the scholarships are funded through Cambridge University, students must approach this program by going through the normal application process at the university.  Typically, students will apply for a 1-year Masters degree or to a Ph.D. program of their choice.  Trinity students will ordinarily apply in the fall of their senior year.  You may also apply if you're a year or two out of college.  Any area of study is eligible.  Application deadlines fall in mid-October of each year.  Once you get accepted into Cambridge, you will get short-listed for an interview with the US branch of the Gates Scholarship selection committee.  In February of your senior year, you fly out to the East Coast for an interview. 

GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP
www.act.org/goldwater

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Peter Kelly-Zion, Department of Engineering Science

Summary:

The goals of the scholarship program are to foster and encourage excellence in mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering.  Arising from this goal is the desire to protect U.S. leadership in science and technology by educating and training new generations equipped to meet ever-increasing challenges. 

The Goldwater Foundation seeks to support undergraduate students with a strong commitment to a career in mathematics, the natural sciences, computer science and/or engineering.  Promising candidates show intellectual intensity in these fields and have the potential for significant future contribution.  Successful candidates have had the opportunity to participate in research or have demonstrated their intellectual curiosity in other meaningful ways, such as internships or lab assistantships.

The purpose of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation, as stated in the enabling legislation, is to alleviate a critical current and future shortage of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. A more realistic statement of the purpose, in today's terms, is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified individuals to those fields of academic study and research.

The Foundation is supported by the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Fund which has been established in the Treasury of the United States. Funding for awards and administrative expenses derives from interest on the Trust Fund, invested in U.S. securities.

Requirements: 

• Sophomore or juniors apply in fall
• Top 25% of class (overall 3.5 GPA or better to be competitive)
• Be committed to pursuing a career in natural sciences, mathematics, computer science, or engineering
• Pre-Meds eligible only if they plan a research career rather than a career in private practice
• US citizen or resident alien

MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIP
www.marshallscholarship.org

Faculty Sponsor: None
Point of Contact: Dr. Sheryl Tynes, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Summary:

Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom.

Up to 40 scholarships awarded each year for two years of graduate study at a British university.  Awards cover virtually all expenses, and are distributed across eight regions of the U.S.  (approximately five are available to students in the mid-southwest region). *Highly competitive.

Requirements: 

• U.S. Citizen (at time of application)
• Hold a degree from an accredited four year college or university in the U.S. (by the time the scholarship is awarded)
• GPA of 3.7 or higher
• Graduated within 18 months of submission of application
• Not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British University

Additional Requirements: 

• A record of leadership and initiative outside the classroom
• A clear vision of educational and professional goals
• Knowledge of the programs to be pursued in the U.K., and contact with the supervisors of those programs
• The endorsement of your college or university

RHODES SCHOLARSHIP
www.rhodesscholar.org

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Linda Salvucci, Department of History

Applicants are chosen on the basis of the criteria set down in the Will of Cecil Rhodes.  These criteria are high academic achievement, integrity of character, a spirit of unselfishness, respect for others, potential leadership, and physical vigor.  These basic characteristics are directed at fulfilling Mr. Rhodes’s hopes that the Rhodes Scholars would make an effective and positive contribution throughout the world.  As he wrote, Rhodes Scholars should “esteem the performance of public duties as their highest aim.”  Applicants may apply either through the state where they are legally resident or where they have attended college for at least two years.  There are 16 district committees across the United States; each chooses two Rhodes Scholars from a small pool of those invited for two-day interviews in November.  As part of the initial application, candidates must be endorsed by their college or university.

Additional (Trinity) Requirements:

Interested students must meet with the Institutional Representative no later than March 15 of their junior year.  Before this meeting, it is necessary to read thoroughly through the Rhodes Scholar website to ascertain how competitive a candidate one may be.  Those studying abroad during the spring of their junior year must make alternate arrangements to meet in advance of their departure.  Although the final application deadline is in early October, students must adhere to a strict timetable to receive the required institutional endorsement from Trinity.  For example, a draft of the 1,000-word essay must be submitted in the spring and there may be a campus committee interview at this time.  Seniors can be nominated, as can those who graduated recently.

Trinity students invited to interviews have had GPAs in the 3.9 range, as well as extraordinary records of leadership and service.  It is also necessary to develop a very specific program of studies at Oxford as part of the application.

PAUL & DAISY SOROS FELLOWSHIPS FOR NEW AMERICANS
www.pdsoros.org

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Ruqayya Khan, Department of Religion

Summary:

The Soros Fellowships for New Americans provide support for up to two years of graduate study in any subject anywhere in the United States.  The Program has been established in recognition of the contributions immigrants and their children have made to American life and in gratitude for the opportunities the United States has afforded the donors and their family.  It is open to individuals who retain loyalty and a sense of commitment to their country of origin as well as to the United States, but it is intended to support individuals who will continue to regard the United States as their principal residence and focus of national identity.  The Fellowship provides $20,000 maintenance and half tuition wherever the Fellow attends.   Fellowships are quite competitive—750 applications were received in the most recent round.  Of these, approximately ninety were interviewed by a selection panel of distinguished New Americans and thirty-one were chosen as fellows. The application deadline is November 1, 2011 and the announcement of recipients will be made in February 2012.

Requirements:

• Applicants must be “New Americans,” i.e., they must be either legal “resident aliens” in the United States, or naturalized citizens of the United States, or the children of two parents who are both naturalized citizens.
• Applicants must either have a bachelor’s degree or be in their final year of undergraduate study.  Applications will be accepted from individuals who are already enrolled in a graduate degree program provided that they are in the first or second year of the program.  Students who have already completed two or more years of graduate study after receiving their bachelor’s degree are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must not be older than thirty years of age as of NOVEMBER 1, 2011.
• Candidates must show evidence of at least two of the following three attributes: 1) creativity, originality, and initiative in any area of their lives; 2) a capacity for accomplishment, demonstrated through activity that has required drive and sustained effort; and 3) a demonstrated commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

TRUMAN SCHOLARSHIP
www.Truman.gov

Faculty Sponsor:  Dr. Tucker Gibson, Department of Political Science

Summary:

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation - the federal memorial to our thirty-third President - awards merit-based scholarships to college students who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government.

Eligibility:

• Junior at the time of selection
• U.S. citizen (or a U.S. National from a Pacific Island)
• Plans to pursue an advanced degree to prepare for a career in public service
• A commitment of three years of public service
• A record of public and community service
• A record of leadership
• A strong academic record (in the upper quarter of his or her class)
• An expressed and demonstrated interest and commitment to "making a difference”
• Completion of application which includes the analysis of a policy issues related to career interests
• Nominated by Trinity University

Anticipated Awards annually:  60-65 Scholarships
Additional information: Harry S. Truman Foundation website - http://www.truman.gov/for-candidates/2012-competition 
Time to get started:   Immediately
Competition:   Approximately 600 applicants nation wide
Applications due at the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation: by midnight February 7, 2012

MORRIS K. UDALL SCHOLARSHIP
www.udall.gov

Faculty Sponsor:  None
Point of Contact:  Dr. Sheryl Tynes, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Summary:

In 2011, the Foundation expects to award 80 scholarships of up to $5,000 and 50 honorable mentions of $350 on the basis of merit to sophomore and junior level college students. Scholarships are offered in any of three categories:

• To students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment; or
• To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy; or
• To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care.

The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders across a wide spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. The Foundation also seeks future Native American and Alaska Native leaders in public and community health care, tribal government, and public policy affecting Native American communities, including land and resource management, economic development and education.

Requirements:

• Strong commitment to improving or preserving the environment
• Potential for significant future contribution in chosen field
• For Native Americans or Alaska Natives, a strong commitment to healthcare for tribal public policy.

Application materials include a nominee information form, nominee essay, three independent evaluations, official transcript, and nominee survey.

Application deadline is mid-February.

                                 General Scholarships / Fellowships

GEORGE J. MITCHELL SCHOLARSHIP                                                www.us-irelandalliance.org
Faculty Sponsor:  None
Point of Contact:  Dr. Sheryl Tynes, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Summary:

Applications for the upcoming academic year George Mitchell Scholars Program are available online at the website noted above.

All complete applications must be received no later than the annual national deadline, usually in early October.  There is no paper application for this program.  The awards are named to honor former Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.  As such, we are seeking candidates who have achieved academic excellence, a sustained commitment to community and service, and a record of leadership in their fields.  They must be 18 or over but not yet 30 at the time of application.  Scholars receive support for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered at an institution of higher learning in Ireland or Northern Ireland.  The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, housing, a living expense stipend and an international travel stipend.  Up to twelve scholarships are awarded each year.  For more information about the Mitchell Scholars selection process, profiles of past and current scholars, and the Irish university system, please go to the Mitchell Scholars Program website.

 If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail lamonte@mitchellscholars.org.

Jennie LaMonte
Managing Director
Mitchell Scholars Program
2800 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 502W
Arlington, Virginia 22201

 

HERBERT SCOVILLE, JR. PEACE FELLOWSHIP                               www.scoville.org
Faculty Sponsor:  None
Point of Contact:  Dr. Sheryl Tynes, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Summary:

A competitive national program that provides college graduates the opportunity to work in Washington, DC, with one of twenty-seven participating public-interest organizations focusing on international security issues.  The program has awarded 134 fellowships since its inception in 1987 and is offered twice yearly, in the spring and fall.  It lasts from six to nine months and provides a stipend, health insurance, and travel costs to Washington.  The Scoville Fellowship does not award grant or scholarship money to students.

Scoville Fellows may undertake a variety of activities, including research, writing, education, and advocacy in support of the goals of their host organization and may attend coalition meetings, policy briefings, and Congressional hearings.  Fellows have written articles, blogs, fact sheets, letters to the editor, op-eds and reports, organized talks and conferences, and been interviewed as experts by the media.  Former Scoville Fellows work for U.S. and international NGOs, the Departments of State and Defense, members of Congress and academia, and attend graduate school in political science or international relations, following their fellowships.

Those interested in peace and security issues should visit: www.scoville.org.  The Scoville Fellowship is a small organization lacking the resources to send staff to college career fairs and to post jobs on individual university websites.  Although the majority of Scoville Fellows have received college degrees in political science, government, international relations, history, or peace studies, a specific major is not required.

There is no application form; application requirements are listed on the website, as are links to the websites of each of the participating groups and information on the work of current and former Scoville Fellows.  A flier about the program can be printed from http://www.scoville.org/flier.html.

The next application deadline is October 3, 2011 for the spring 2012 fellowship.

All U.S. citizens, as well as non-U.S. citizens living in the U.S. who have an appropriate work permit, are eligible to apply; foreign nationals living outside the United States are not.

For Further Information on Scholarships and Fellowships:

Contact Dr. Sheryl R. Tynes, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Northrup Hall 410, 999-8201.