Michigan State University Libraries - National Scholarships and Databases Worth Considering By Honors College and Academic Scholars

National Scholarships and Databases Worth Considering
By Honors College and Academic Scholars

A number of highly prestigious national scholarship opportunities are available for academic achievers, many of which award substantial amounts of scholarship and/or prize money. This web page provides a sampler of some of the scholarships posted on the Grants for Individuals pages.

For undergraduates:

Barry S. Goldwater Scholarship
http://www.act.org/goldwater/
The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country for 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. The purpose of the Foundation is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue careers in these fields. Approximately 300 scholarships each worth $7,500 are usually offered.
Students must clear their application through the MSU Honors College; direct applications are not accepted.
MSU competition deadline for sophomore and juniors : 3rd Friday in November
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Engineering, Math, Science
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program
http://www.oesd.noaa.gov/Hollings_info.html
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) scholarship program is designed to: (1) increase undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education and foster multidisciplinary training opportunities; (2) increase public understanding and support for stewardship of the ocean and atmosphere and improve environmental literacy; (3) recruit and prepare students for public service careers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other natural resource and science agencies at the federal, state and local levels of government; and (4) recruit and prepare students for careers as teachers and educators in oceanic and atmospheric science and to improve scientific and environmental education in the United States.
Eligible undergraduates studying oceanic, environmental, biological, and atmospheric sciences, mathematics, engineering, remote sensing technology, physical and social sciences including geography, physics, hydrology, geomatics, or teacher education that support NOAA's programs and mission are encouraged to apply.
Apply directly during your sophomore or junior year. Contact the MSU Honors College for background information and advice.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Undergraduates, Environment, Science
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Harry S. Truman Scholarship
http://www.truman.gov/
Seventy-five to eighty $30,000 scholarships for juniors only, covering academic expenses for graduate school. For students with an outstanding capacity for public service who want to make a difference in society.
Students must clear their application through the MSU Honors College; MSU Competition deadline : 3rd Friday in November.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Undergraduates, Political Science.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Morris K. Udall Scholarship
http://www.udall.gov/
For sophomores and juniors interested in pursuing a career in environmental fields. Pays one year's academic expenses up to $5,000. Also available for Native American sophomores and juniors in health care and tribal public policy.
Each year the Foundation awards two Ph.D. dissertation fellowships of $24,000 to students whose work is in the areas of environmental public policy or environmental conflict resolution.
Students must clear their application through the MSU Honors College; MSU Competition deadline : 3rd Friday in November.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Undergraduates, Political Science.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Department of Homeland Security
http://www.orau.gov/dhsed/
Funding is available for sophomores or juniors studying science and technology in areas of interest to the department's mission. Areas of study that are eligible include: physical sciences, mathematical sciences, computer and information sciences, life sciences, social sciences, psychology, selected humanities, and engineering.
Apply directly during January
(Last checked 02/18/11)

National Network for Environmental Management Studies (NNEMS)
http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/students.html
The Environmental Protection Agency established the National Network for Environmental Management Studies in 1986 to foster a growing interest among higher education students in environmental careers. The NNEMS program is a comprehensive fellowship program that provides undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to participate in a fellowship project that is directly related to their field of study. NNEMS fellows conduct research projects to augment their academic studies, which EPA supports with financial assistance. EPA has awarded approximately 1,300 fellowships under this program and awards approximately 40 fellowships annually.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

National Security Education Program
Boren Awards for International Study
http://www.borenawards.org/
Over two hundred scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in selected countries with U.S. security interest. This scholarship has a government service requirement.
Contact the MSU Study Abroad Program about participation during January of your freshman or sophomore years.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships
http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/EducationalPrograms/AmbassadorialScholarships/Pages/ridefault.aspx
The Rotary Foundation welcomes applicants for the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarships. Academic-Year, Multi-Year, and Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships are offered, with availability varying from year to year. The purpose of the program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries.
Applicants must contact their local Rotary clubs to: (1) determine if funding for the desired scholarship is available; (2) ask about local application deadlines; and (3) obtain application materials. Length of scholarship term and award amount varies depending on type of Scholarship. Students can apply anytime during undergraduate or graduate careers but remember that the review process may take 18-22 months before you actually are selected and travel.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

USA Today’s All-USA College Academic Team
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/college-team-advice.htm
USA Today’s All-USA College Academic Team honors 60 undergraduates, as representatives of all outstanding students, at the nation’s colleges and universities. The 20 members of the First Team will have their photographs and accomplishments published in USA Today in February and will receive a $2,500 cash award. The criteria are designed to find students who excel not only in scholarship but also in leadership roles on and off campus. The element given the most weight by the judges is the nominee's outstanding original academic or intellectual product. The judges will be influenced by the student's ability to describe that outstanding endeavor in his/her own words. They will not read an author's work, see an artist's painting or hear a composer's music. They will rely solely on the student's ability to describe the effort in writing, supplemented by recommendations from the nominating professor and two other persons of the nominee's choice.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

For seniors and recent graduates:

U.S. Fulbright Grants
http://www.cies.org/
Over one thousand scholarships for recent B.S./B.A. graduates, master's and doctoral candidates for one year (study, teaching, or research) opportunities for personal development and international experience.
Apply through Dr. D'Itri of the MSU Study Abroad Program; MSU competition deadline: mid-September of your senior year.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships
http://www.gatesscholar.org/
Scholarships for graduating seniors and graduates to pursue taught or research courses of postgraduate study in a wide variety of fields in science, humanities, and the social sciences at the University of Cambridge.
Apply directly at the beginning of October of your senior year.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Marshall Scholarship
http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
George C. Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. Up to forty Scholars are selected each year to study either at graduate or occasionally undergraduate level at an UK institution in any field of study. The scheme allows the Scholars, who are the potential leaders, opinion-formers and decision-makers in their own country, to gain an understanding and appreciation of British values and the British way of life. It also establishes long-lasting ties between the peoples of Britain and the United States. Each scholarship is held for two years.
Apply through the MSU Honors College; MSU competition deadline : August 1st of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

George J. Mitchell Scholarships
http://www.us-irelandalliance.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=34
The US-Ireland Alliance sponsors a prestigious, competitive, national scholarship to enable American citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to study at universities on the island of Ireland. The George J. Mitchell Scholarships, named in honor of the former Senator's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, are intended to familiarize and engage the next generation of America's leaders with the island of Ireland. These Scholarships allow Americans to pursue one year of post-graduate study in any discipline offered at institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Mitchell Scholarship provides tuition and housing for one year along with international travel and a living expenses stipend.
Apply through the MSU Honors College; MSU competition deadline: August 1st of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Rhodes Scholarship
http://www.rhodesscholar.org/
Rhodes Scholars study for two and, with special permission, three years at Oxford University in Britain. Study can be in any field and must lead to a degree. Study can be at the graduate or undergraduate level. Some Rhodes Scholars study the last two years of an undergraduate major. Others do graduate study. The Rhodes pays for tuition, fees, travel to and from home to Oxford, and an allowance that is sufficient to pay living costs during the academic year and vacation periods.
Apply through the MSU Honors College; MSU competition deadline : August 1st of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Winston Churchill Scholarships
http://winstonchurchillfoundation.org/index.php?hide=1§ion=scholarships
Established in 1963 at the recommendation of Winston Churchill himself, the Winston Churchill Foundation is the only organization in the United States that bears his name and that was authorized by Sir Winston. The Foundation’s Scholarship Program offers American students of exceptional ability and outstanding achievement the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in engineering, mathematics, or the sciences at Churchill College, the University of Cambridge. The newest of the colleges at the University of Cambridge, Churchill College was built in tribute to Winston Churchill, who in the years after the Second World War presciently recognized the growing importance of science and technology for prosperity and security. Churchill College focusses on the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. In addition to the academic splendors of Cambridge University, the Churchill Scholarships provide the opportunity to experience life in England and to visit the country’s archeological, historical, and artistic treasures, to forge friendships with students from Great Britain and from around the world, to see the United States from a new perspective, and to gain the many personal insights that come from living abroad and adjusting to new ways and new challenges.
Apply through the MSU Honors College; MSU competition deadline : August 1st of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Fellowship
http://www.jkcf.org/scholarships/graduate-scholarships/
Each award covers a portion of educational expenses, including tuition, living expenses, required fees, and books for the graduate degree chosen. The amount and duration of awards vary by student based on the cost of attendance and the length of the graduate program as well as other scholarships or grants received. The maximum available per student is $50,000 per year and the maximum length is six years.
Apply through the MSU Honors College; MSU competition deadline : early February of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Graduates
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Department of Energy Fellowship
http://see.orau.org/
For students majoring in energy science, physics, or nuclear engineering.
Apply directly by the end of January of your senior year.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Department of Homeland Security Fellowships
http://www.orau.gov/dhsed/
For students majoring in mathematics, computer science, and engineering.
Apply directly by the end of January of your senior year.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Ford Foundation Predoctoral, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral Diversity Fellowships for Minorities
http://www7.nationalacademies.org/fordfellowships/
Approximately 60 3-year fellowships are awarded for study in research-based doctoral programs (Ph.D. or Sc.D.) leading to careers in teaching and research at the university or college level in the behavioral and social sciences, humanities, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, and life sciences. Annual stipend of $12,000 to each fellow, $6000 to institution in lieu of tuition and fees.
Apply directly by end of November of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Minorities
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship
http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program
U.S. undergraduates can apply to receive financial support for study abroad programs worldwide through the new Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is named after Congressman Ben Gilman (R-NY), the legislation's sponsor. The Institute of International Education, a New York-based non-profit organization, will administer the program through its Southern Regional Office in Houston, Texas under a grant from the Bureau. Established under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, Gilman International Scholarships will provide up to $5,000 for American students to pursue overseas study for college credit. The Gilman Program aims to broaden and increase the study abroad population by aiding undergraduate students who are under financial constraints.
Note from Laura Symonds [mailto:Laura.Symonds@radiology.msu.edu], February 22, 2011 : I have been helping with the Gilman recruiting and advising for the past two years, but Lynn Aguado in the Office for Study Abroad is taking the lead on it. In addition, she has brought on board two grad students who are helping with the advising process. You will probably want to direct any questions you have to Lynn (though feel free to copy me -- Lynn and I work together as much as possible).
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Area Studies
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
http://www.hertzfoundation.org/dx/Fellowships/
Twenty 5-year graduate fellowships are offered to graduating seniors and graduates in the applied physical sciences.
Michigan State University students are eligible to apply but should expect to attend one of the three dozen of the schools where students usually go to study unless they can negotiate an exception.
Apply directly at the end of October of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Sciences
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
http://www.nationalgridus.com/commitment/d4-1_award.asp
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $10,000 stipend for a one year public service project. $5,000 is awarded at the beginning of the project; and the remaining $5,000 is awarded upon receipt of a six month progress report. This allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career. Applications (accompanied by a proposal, budget, transcript, and three letters of recommendation), must be post-marked by February 15.
Apply directly.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Philanthropy, Political Science
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Jacob Javits Fellowship
http://www.ed.gov/programs/jacobjavits/index.html
Seventy-five fellowships each worth over $30,000 a year for graduating seniors and graduates to study in the humanities, social sciences, and the arts.
Apply directly at the beginning of October of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Social Sciences
(Last checked 02/18/11)

James Madison Memorial Foundation Fellowships
http://www.jamesmadison.com/
U.S. citizens who demonstrate a commitment to civic responsibilities and to professional and collegial activities and who qualify for admission with graduate standing at an accredited U.S. university that offers a qualifying master’s degree program are eligible to apply. Applicants must be committed to teaching American history, American government, and/or social studies full time in grades 7-12. Two fellowships are offered:

Junior Fellowships are awarded to students who are about to complete, or have completed, their undergraduate course of study and plan to begin graduate work on a full-time basis. Junior Fellows have two years to complete their degree.

Senior Fellowships are awarded to teachers who wish to undertake work for a graduate degree on a part-time basis through summer and evening classes. Senior Fellows have up to five years to complete their degree.

Apply directly at the beginning of March of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Education, History, Political Science.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
http://www.asee.org/ndseg/
The Department of Defense (DoD) is committed to increasing the number and quality of our nation's scientists and engineers. Toward that end, the DoD annually supports approximately 8,000 graduate students in fields important to national defense needs. The DoD's support is evidenced in a number of ways. First and foremost, the DoD funds thousands of graduate students, who are members of research teams, through contracts and grants. Selected by research faculty, the students engage in fundamental studies under the leadership of a senior researcher while earning advanced degrees. These students are generally wholly supported by their DoD grant or contract. Another important mechanism for DoD support of graduate students is through portable fellowships awarded to U.S. citizens or nationals following a competition each year. These fellowships allow the recipients to pursue their graduate studies at whichever U.S. institution they choose to attend. One of these is the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship, which is highly competitive and confers high honors upon its recipients. The DoD has awarded approximately 2,200 NDSEG fellowships since the program's inception 17 years ago.
Apply directly at the beginning of January of your senior year.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Graduates, Engineering, Sciences.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program
http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=6201&org=NSF
Over nine hundred fellowships each worth over $30,000 plus a cost-of-education allowance for up to three years of study leading to a research-based graduate degree in a wide range of physical, life, or social sciences. For graduating seniors and beginning graduate students.
Students interested in National Science Foundation awards should consult the deans' offices in their colleges and their faculty mentors.
Apply directly at the beginning of November of your senior year.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Graduates
(Last checked 02/18/11)

National Security Education Program
Also known as Boren Awards for International Study
http://www.borenawards.org/
Over two hundred scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students to study abroad in selected countries. This scholarship has a government service requirement.
Apply through the MSU Study Abroad program during January of your senior year. Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Travel and Study Abroad
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Undergraduate : http://www.woodrow.org/higher-education-fellowships/foreign_affairs/index.php
Graduate : http://www.woodrow.org/higher-education-fellowships/foreign_affairs/pickering_grad/index.php
http://careers.state.gov/students/programs.html
The Pickering program seeks talented students in academic programs. Its goal is to attract outstanding students all ethnic, racial and social backgrounds who have an interest in pursuing a Foreign Service Career in the US Department of State. In exchange for two or three years of study, a Pickering Scholar must serve in the Foreign Service for three years.
Apply directly.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals : Political Science
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Rangel International Affairs Fellowship Program
Graduate Fellowships
http://www.howard.edu/rjb/rangelprogram.htm
Ten fellowships of up to $27,000 annually towards tuition, room, board, books and mandatory fees for completion of a two-year master’s degree. At the conclusion of two years of study, the Rangel Fellow is expected to obtain a degree in international affairs or a related subject (such as public administration, public policy, business administration, foreign languages, economics, political science, communications) at a graduate or professional school approved by the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center.
Apply directly.
Listed under Grants for Individuals : Political Science
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans
http://www.pdsoros.org/
Thirty scholarships for up to two years of graduate study for green card holders, naturalized citizens, or children of naturalized parents. Each scholarship provides $20,000 stipend and a tuition grant of half the tuition cost of the U.S. program attended by the Soros scholar.
Apply directly by the beginning of November of your Senior year.
Also listed under Grants for Individuals - Graduates; Minorities
(Last checked 02/18/11)

MSU Databases for Further Searching

Community of Science Funding Opportunities Database
MSU Access Only
Michigan State university faculty, staff, and students can identify additional undergraduate funding opportunities by searching this database. Select Main Search and then type in your favorite academic discipline in the "All Fields" box. Then be sure to click on undergraduate in the
(Last checked 02/18/11)

GrantSelect
MSU Access Only
GrantSelect contains over 10,000 funding opportunities provided by over 3,400 sponsoring organizations. Michigan State university faculty, staff, and students can identify additional funding opportunities related to undergraduates by searching this database.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

MSU Scholarship Search
http://scholendow2.ais.msu.edu/Student/ScholSearch.asp
MSU offers a wide variety of scholarships, some of which have criteria which severely limit the number of students who might be eligible for the scholarship, while others have much broader criteria. This facility should help you find those MSU scholarships for which you might be eligible.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Foundation Grants to Individuals
Main Library Access Only
Includes descriptions of more than 6,000 foundations and public charities that fund individual grantseekers, and is searchable by nine different criteria. Records provide contact information, financial data, application information, and program descriptions, with links to more than 500 foundation Web sites. Updated quarterly.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Foundation Directory Online Professional
http://fconline.fdncenter.org/ip_login.pl
One of the most powerful tools available for exploring top-tier intelligence on grantmakers, the grants they make, and their 990-pf returns. Updated weekly with more than 88,000 grantmakers, 3700+ company profiles, 750,000 searchable grants, and more than 400,000 trustee, officer, and donor names - fully indexed.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Key Contacts

Michigan State University
Honors College
National/Internatonal Fellowships and Scholarships
http://www.honorscollege.msu.edu/nifs/
Laura Symonds is the new National/International Scholarships and Fellowships coordinator for the Michigan State University Honors College. As such, her job is to coordinate the major nationally competitive programs as far as the univeristy nominations are concerned. For any students interested in applying for the Churchill, Marshall, Mitchell, Rhodes, or National Science Foundation scholarships, or for competitive undergraduate scholarship such as the Hollings, Goldwater, Truman, or Udall Scholarships, please contact: Laura Symonds, Coordinator, National/International Fellowships and Scholarships, Michigan State University, 105 Eustace-Cole Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1041; Telephone : (517) 355-2326; E-mail: symonds@msu.edu
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Michigan State University
Academic Scholars Program
http://www.msu.edu/~asp/
For ASP questions in general (as opposed to scholarship matters), contact Patricia Shropshire. Her e-mail is shrophsh@msu.edu.
(Last checked 02/18/11)

Ownership Statement Jon Harrison : Page Editor Funding Center Supervisor Social Sciences Collections Coordinator Michigan State University Libraries 100 Library E. Lansing, MI 48824-1048 E-mail: harris23@mail.lib.msu.edu Voice mail: (517) 432-6123, ext. 123 Fax: (517) 432-8050 Last revised 02/18/11