Marietta College encourages students and alumni interested in applying for nationally competitive programs in a broad range of fields, from physical science to music performance. In addition to supporting current students’ applications, we also support alumni.
You can find more details about many of the fellowships and scholarships available to you on the Fellowship/Awards tab. If you identify an opportunity that is not listed on our website, tell us about it and let us help you apply.
Watch your email for announcements and informational meetings throughout the year. Visit the Career Center to get acquainted and to let us know about your plans and goals. Make an appointment with us at cc@marietta.edu.
Applying to prestigious and competitive fellowship programs requires advanced planning. Many applications are due between late September and mid-October. Another flurry of deadlines comes in early November. Faculty mentors, faculty advisors, the Career Center, the Records Office, Student Financial Assistance and other offices, are all eager to help you produce the best possible application. Take advantage of the full range of support available to you.
Awards for Current Students
Boren Awards for International Study
Website
https://www.iie.org/programs/boren-awards-for-international-study
Award
Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Maximum scholarship awards are:
- $8,000 for a summer program (special initiative for STEM students only; 8 weeks minimum)
- $10,000 for a semester
- $20,000 for a 6 - 12 months
Boren Scholarships promote long term linguistic and cultural immersion and therefore study abroad proposals for two or more semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to undergraduate applicants proposing a at least 6 months overseas. Boren-funded programs can begin no earlier than June 1. Summer-only programs must be eight (8) weeks or more and are limited to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.
Foundation Deadline
February
Overview
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. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
Eligibility
- 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.
Application
Online application; transcript; 2 essays; 3 letters of recommendation; language self-assessment; letter of overseas affiliation (if possible)
Goldwater Scholarships
Website
https://goldwater.scholarsapply.org/
Foundation Deadline
End of January
Overview
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation was established by Congress in 1986 to serve as a living memorial to honor the lifetime work of Senator Goldwater. The Foundation seeks to identify and support college sophomores and juniors who show exceptional promise of becoming the next generation of research leaders. Characteristics sought include: strong commitment to a research career in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering; effective display of intellectual intensity in the sciences, mathematics and engineering and potential for a significant future contribution to research in his/her chosen field.
Scholarships of up to $7500 a year are provided to help cover costs associated with tuition, mandatory fees, books, room and board.
Eligibility
Be a full time matriculated sophomore or junior pursuing a degree at an accredited 2 or 4-year institution of higher education during the 2017-2018 academic year; intend to pursue a research career in a natural science, mathematics or engineering; have a GPA of at least 3.0; be a US citizen.
Application
For more information, please contact Professor Dave McShaffrey, our campus contact for this program, mcshaffd@marietta.edu, 740.376.4743.
The NSF Graduate research fellowship program
Website
Award
The grant provides a stipend and cost-of-education allowance for three years of graduate work.
Foundation Deadline
Typically November
Overview
The National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science, mathematics, and engineering in the United States and to reinforce its diversity. The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program is designed for students interested in pursuing graduate programs in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. NSF awards approximately 2,000 fellowships each year.
Eligibility
Applicants who demonstrate good research experience and strong faculty support have traditionally been successful in the competition.
Application
Essay; Research Plan Statement; Academic Transcripts and 3 Letters of Recommendation
Timeline
The full program announcement usually occurs in August and the application deadline is typically in November. Awards are announced in the spring.
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship
Website
Overview
Juniors headed for careers in public service are encouraged to apply for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Truman Scholars are "future" change agents who have the desire, intellect, and leadership potential that that in time will likely enable them to improve the way that public entities—be they government agencies or nonprofit organizations—serve the public.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals who are college or university students with junior-level academic standing and who wish to attend professional or graduate school to prepare for careers in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors where they will improve the ways these institutions work. Residents of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana must have senior-level standing.
Application
Students must complete the Truman Application online. Access to the application system is controlled by faculty representatives. To gain access to the online application, please speak with the faculty representative at your school. Once you have been registered by your faculty representative, you will receive an e-mail with a one-time login. Your e-mail address will also act as your username, so please be certain to use an e-mail address that you can access easily and is appropriate to appear on your application. Once you have logged in to the site, you will be taken to a dashboard page where you can update your profile and select a password that you can remember.
Please complete all fields in your profile except for bio and photo. The bio and photo will only be requested if you are selected as a finalist, and only be used if you are selected as a scholar. After you complete your profile, you will be taken to your dashboard page. The link to start your application is available on the right side of the page.
Timeline
Truman Application Deadline: Early February
Regional Review Panels: Early March
Scholar Posting: April
Awards for Alumni & Current Students
The Churchill Scholarship
Website
http://winstonchurchillfoundation.org
Award
Between $44,000 and $50,000, depending on the exchange rate. Covers university and college tuition and fees (currently about $25,000). Students also receive a living allowance of $10,000 to $12,000 (=$20,000).
Foundation Deadline
November
Overview
The Churchill Scholarship covers all education and living expenses for a one-year master’s degree in the sciences at Cambridge University.
Eligibility
Graduating seniors and recent alumni who are U.S. citizens and plan a career in science or math are eligible. Churchill scholars generally have GPA's of 3.9 or above and substantial research experience.
Timeline
Students are advised to be in touch with the Career Center during the spring of their junior year.
The Critical Language Scholarship
Website
Foundation Deadline
November
Overview
The Critical Language Scholarship Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.
Eligibility
The Critical Language Scholarship Program seeks participants from a variety of fields, backgrounds, and career paths, with the goal of building a cadre of Americans who speak critical languages at high levels in government, business, arts and culture, science and engineering, health and medicine, education, research, and other fields. The CLS Program is a nationally competed award open to all eligible U.S. undergraduate and graduate students in every field. Award recipients are selected on the basis of merit, with consideration for:
- Academic record and potential to succeed in a rigorous academic setting;
- Commitment to language learning;
- Connection between target language and career/academic goals;
- Ability to adapt to an intensive program and a challenging cultural environment; and
- Unique perspective and contributions to the CLS Program.
Application
Online application, transcripts and two letters of recommendation
The Fullbright Scholarship
Website
Award
Round-trip airfare, living expenses for the year, limited health benefits; some awards cover research expenses (varies by country).
Foundation Deadline
Early October
Overview
The largest student exchange program in the United States, the Fulbright program supports year-long research and teaching opportunities around the world. Programs vary by country and somewhat by field, but there are two major types: For Research or “Full” Grants, applicants propose an 8—12-month-long research project to be completed in the host country. For many countries, the application must include a letter of affiliation from an institution in the host country. (This type of grant also funds recipients who wish to pursue advanced training in music.) In most cases, teaching or “ETA” grants do not require a host affiliation or research project. Fulbright English Teaching Assistants serve approximately 20 hours a week, usually assisting English language teachers in classrooms at the elementary, secondary or college level (depending on the country). In some countries, ETA’s also pursue a side-project of their own design. This may or may not be an academic project. There are many other programs specific to a particular country or field, including MA programs, professional schools, and travel awards.
Eligibility
Graduating seniors and alumni who have not completed a PhD are eligible. GPA is not a determining selection factor, but competitive applicants typically have GPAs above 3.4 (for ETA) and 3.6 (for full grants). Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Application
Fulbright requires applicants to complete their applications online. Go to www.fulbrightonline.org.
Applications include:
- A personal statement (one page)
- A statement of grant purpose (one page for ETA applicants, two pages for full-grant applicants)
- An online application
- Three letters of recommendation
- An optional language evaluation
- A transcript
- Alumni not currently enrolled in another institution may apply through Marietta. You may also obtain materials and apply as an “at large” candidate through an IIE regional center.
Timeline
The application cycle opens on approximately May 1 each year. IIE announces finalists in late January; individual countries announce winners from March to June.
You should begin an application as early as possible:
- At least two months prior to the campus deadline for full research and study grants or grants in the creative and performing arts.
- At least six weeks prior to the campus deadline for teaching assistantships or travel grants.
We suggest that you select a host country as early in the spring as possible. Research and preparation over the summer months is crucial. Drafting the application and application documents also helps. Aim to have polished drafts of your personal statement and grant proposal ready for review when you come back to campus in the fall. Getting to this stage will usually require a minimum of two to three drafts over the summer.
Humanity in Action Scholarships
Website
https://www.humanityinaction.org/programs#hia_professional_fellowships
Foundation Deadline
January
Overview
This program brings outstanding university students and young professionals to Washington, DC for four-month fellowships in the U.S. Congress. The Humanity in Action Fellowship brings together international groups of Fellows to study minority rights and produce original research exploring how and why individuals and societies, past and present, have resisted intolerance and protected democratic values. Separate programs take place for five weeks every summer in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Berlin, Copenhagen, Detroit, Sarajevo, and Warsaw.
Eligibility
Students and recent graduates from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denmark, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine and the United States. Students and recent graduates of other nationalities may apply if they are enrolled in or have recently graduated from a university in one of the countries listed above.
Application
- A completed application form
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- A college transcript
- A response essay
- A personal statement
- Short answer questions
- A brief essay on program themes
- Two letters of recommendation
- A $40 application fee
The James Madison Fellowship
Website
Award
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level.
Foundation Deadline
March
Overview
Junior Fellowships are awarded to outstanding college seniors and college graduates without teaching experience who intend to become secondary school teachers of American history, American government, or civics classes where you will teach topics on the Constitution in grades 7–12. Junior Fellows are expected to complete graduate study within 2 academic years of full-time study.
Eligibility
Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. To be eligible to apply for a fellowship, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, or civics classes where you will teach topics on the Constitution at the secondary school level (grades 7–12).
- Possess a bachelor's degree or plan to receive a bachelor's degree no later than August 31 of the year in which you are applying. After receiving the master's degree, each Fellow must teach American history, American government, or civics classes where you will teach topics on the Constitution in grades 7–12 for one full year for each academic year of funding received under a fellowship, preferably in the state from which the recipient won the fellowship.
Application
Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence. As funding permits, the Foundation plans to offer one fellowship per state per year.
The Marshall Scholarship
Website
http://www.marshallscholarship.org/
Award
Most expenses for two years of graduate education in the UK.
Foundation Deadline
October 1
Overview
Marshall Scholarships are tenable at almost any institution in the United Kingdom. They particularly encourage people to look at programs in addition to those available at Cambridge, Oxford, and the London School of Economics.
Eligibility
Graduating seniors and recent alumni with a GPA above 3.7 are eligible.
Application
The Marshall application is available online. The Marshall site also has helpful links about graduate education and programs in the UK more generally.
Timeline
You should begin working with the faculty representative by the mid part of your junior year.
Line up your recommenders before the end of your junior year and use them as resources as you draft your application. Complete your first draft no later than July 15 of the year in which you wish to apply.
The Mitchell Scholarship
Website
https://www.us-irelandalliance.org/mitchellscholarship
Award
The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides tuition, accommodation, a stipend for living expenses and travel.
Foundation Deadline
September
Overview
The Senator George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is an initiative of the US-Ireland Alliance. The Scholarship is a nationally competitive post-graduate award for twelve Mitchell Scholars to pursue one year of student in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Eligibility
Up to twelve Mitchell scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on academic excellence, a record of outstanding leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service.
Application
Online application, video interview, personal statement.
The Rhodes Scholarship
Website
Overview
The Rhodes Scholarship covers most expenses for two years of study at Oxford University. Funding for a third year is often available.
Eligibility
Graduating seniors and recent alumni with a GPA above 3.8 are eligible.
Application
- A personal statement
- A report of activities undertaken and honors received
- 8 letters of recommendation
Timeline
You should begin working on this application by the mid part of your junior year. Line up your recommenders before the end of your junior year and use them as resources as you draft your application. Complete your first draft no later than July 15 of the year in which you wish to apply.
The Udall Foundation
Website
Overview
The Udall Foundation awards 50 scholarships of up to $7000 and 50 honorable mentions to sophomore and junior level college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care.
Scholarships are offered in any of three categories:
- To students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment;
- To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy;
- To Native American and Alaska Native students who have demonstrated commitment to careers related to Native health care.
Eligibility
Recipients must be American citizens or permanent residents. Criteria include demonstrated leadership, community service, well-roundedness, references, and a strong academic record.
Application
- An 11-question application;
- An 800-word essay on a speech, legislative act, book, or public policy statement by either Morris K. Udall or Stewart L. Udall and its impact on your interests and goals; Transcripts for all college coursework; and Three letters of recommendation that speak to your leadership, public service and academic achievements.
- Additional documentation is required for applicants in tribal public policy and health care, and for U.S. permanent residents.
Timeline
Applicants should be identified by January at the latest so that they can put together a strong statement and solicit references. The deadline for submission of all materials is early March.