Scholarships for Students Pursuing a Career in Public Service
Public service careers can be highly rewarding and fulfilling. They offer rare opportunities to support communities and make a positive impact on the lives of many. These scholarships provide unique opportunities to enter the field through professional development, hands-on experiences, and the opportunity to build a strong network of connections. Students interested in pursuing a career in public service are great candidates for these scholarships. They highlight civic engagement, research, and community outreach.
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The Boren scholarship offers awards to undergraduate and graduate students committed to public service. Boren funds study abroad programs ranging from 12 weeks to a full year. Selection is based on the project’s applicability to national security. All programs must include a language component. Common sites include Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Boren award recipients commit to one year of work in the federal government after service.
University Endorsement: Yes, receive support from OESF
Deadline: Campus deadline is late December and national deadline is January
Awards per Year: about 290
Award Amount: $8,000-$30,000
Who can Apply: Any undergraduate or graduate year; must be enrolled in matriculated degree program for the entirety of the program
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The Department of War SMART scholarship program provides students in STEM fields with resources to excel academically and launch their career. This scholarship provides students with more than just financial support. It also offers summer internship opportunities, a dedicated mentor, and a career with the Department of War as a civilian employee after graduation. The opportunity is available to both undergraduate and graduate students.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: early December
Awards per Year: up to 600
Award Amount: Full tuition and up to a $30,000 stipend for 1-5 years
Who can Apply: Incoming undergraduate freshman up to graduate students; must have 1.5 years of school remaining.
GPA: 3.0
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This fellowship gives recent college graduates the chance to work at a high – impact nonprofit organization in Boston, New York City, or Philadelphia for two years. This paid program allows fellows to deepen their understanding of social issues and engage in direct service work with their communities. You can apply to the host organization that best matches your interest.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: early February
Awards per Year: 5-7 new positions
Award Amount: $105,000 - $115,000 over two years
Who can Apply: Undergraduate seniors
GPA: 3.7 minimum advised
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This one-year fellowship allows recent college graduates to work as a research assistant to top scholars at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C. This organization researches foreign policy and supports international diplomacy, all with the goal to reduce global conflict.
University Endorsement: Yes, receive support from OESF
Deadline: National deadline is mid-January
Awards per Year: 12-15
Award Amount: up to $4,000 per month stipend
Who can Apply: Undergraduate seniors or one year post graduation
GPA: 3.7 minimum advised
https://carnegieendowment.org/james-c-gaither-junior-fellows-program
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The National Institutes of Health undergraduate scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical, behavioral, or social science research. The award includes two paid service commitments: a ten-week/full-time summer internship at the NIH for each year of scholarship support and one year of full-time employment at the NIH after graduation. The post-graduation service commitment may be deferred until the completion of an advanced degree program.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: late March
Awards per Year: 13
Award Amount: up to $20,000; can be renewed for a max of 4 years
Who can Apply: Any undergraduate student
GPA: 3.3 minimum
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This program is a nonprofit affiliate of Princeton University. Fellows can expect to be placed with a partner organization somewhere in Africa. The service placement is based on the applicant’s expertise and interest, and disciplines are on a rotating basis. Fellows live and work in Africa for one year, contributing to communities and forging connections. English proficiency is required and a second language proficiency is preferred for some placements.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: late October
Awards per Year: 24-35
Award Amount: Housing and living stipend, work permits, fully funded mid-year retreat
Who can Apply: Must hold an undergraduate or graduate degree at the start of the fellowship and be no older than 35 years old
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Princeton in Asia is a non-profit affiliate program of Princeton University that awards service driven fellowships across Asia. These fellowships are one-to-two-year service commitments at a partner organization across the continent of Asia. Disciplines include arts and culture, public health, STEM, and more. PIA emphasis cultural immersion and mutual respect/contribution with host communities. English proficiency is required; Asian language skills are welcome but not required.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: early November
Awards per Year: 50-60
Award Amount: Living stipend intended to promote an immersive experience
Who can Apply: Common for undergraduate seniors to apply; must hold a bachelor’s degree and may hold a master’s degree
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Princeton in Latin America is a non-profit graduate fellowship that provides meaningful, immersive experiences in communities across Latin America. Disciplines can include English teaching, water safety, youth development and much more. Fellows are placed at nonprofits, community organizations, and the like. These fellowships are one year service placements, typically ranging from June to August. Spanish proficiency is required for nearly all positions.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: early November
Awards per Year: 14-20+
Award Amount: Monthly living stipend
Who can Apply: Undergraduate seniors and recent graduates; must hold a bachelor's degree before the start of the fellowship. PiLA rarely considers applicants who graduated more than five years ago
GPA: 3.5 minimum advised
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The Harry S. Truman Foundation provides scholarships to exceptional undergraduate juniors who plan on pursuing a career in public service. Selection is based upon leadership potential and inspiring change in their field. The scholarship provides funding for graduate studies in the US or abroad as well as access to a leadership conference and summer institute in Washington, D.C. Scholars commit to working in public service for 3 of the 7 years following their graduate degree completion.
University Endorsement: Yes, receive support from OESF
Deadline: Campus deadline is mid-December, national deadline is early February
Awards per Year: 60-65
Award Amount: $30,000
Who can Apply: Undergraduate Juniors
GPA: must be in top 25% of graduating class
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Awards scholarships to future leaders in environmental conservation, Tribal public policy, and Native health care. Commitment to bettering these fields demonstrated through public service is a valued aspect of this award. Scholarship can be used to cover undergraduate academic expenses. The University of Montana has produced the most Udall scholars of any university in the United States! Wow!
University Endorsement: Yes, receive support from OESF
Deadline: Campus deadline is early January, national deadline is early March
Awards per Year: 65
Award Amount: up to $7,500
Who can Apply: Undergraduate sophomores and juniors
GPA: 3.0 minimum, 3.7 advised
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The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is for students who have a passion for civic engagement and experience serving their communities. Designed for undergraduate juniors and seniors, this two-year scholarship provides financial support, travel opportunities, and more experiences suited to develop skills for a future profession in public service. This opportunity includes a Summer Voyager experience: a paid summer travel/work experience designed by the student, as well as a Fall Summit.
University Endorsement: No
Deadline: mid-March
Awards per Year: 100
Award Amount: up to $50,000 in financial aid across Junior and Senior year, 10-year Airbnb travel stipend
Who can Apply: undergraduate sophomores
GPA: 3.4 minimum
