Institutional Endorsement Not Required

A full-time, nine-month graduate-level program that prepares individuals for effective and ethical leadership in public affairs. Open to graduating seniors and alumni; evidence of leadership potential and of concern for the well-being of communities is required. Each fellow works, in a series of assignments, with a government agency, a business, a political campaign, a labor-union media organization, and a nonprofit group.

Undergraduate and graduate students are invited to apply for funding to study, conduct thesis research, or intern in Germany. DAAD offers a wide range of funding opportunities. Applicants are judged on academic merit; the feasibility and quality of the proposal; and the potential impact of the project as a whole.

The EmPOWERED Scholars Program seeks out undergraduate students with a dedication to community service. Scholars are awarded $5,000 to put towards their educational expenses and are connected with the EmPOWERED to serve network of alumni. Applicants should be working to improve community health and wellness to promote health equity through community-based organizations, student-led organizations and other groups that combat health disparities. Applicants should be undergraduate freshmen, sophomores, or juniors working in their community. Please see website for additional details and full list of eligibility requirements.  

The Ford Foundation seeks to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. The predoctoral fellowships provide three years of support for graduate study leading to a Ph.D. or Sc.D. Awards include an annual stipend of $20,000; a subsidy to the institution in lieu of tuition and fees of $2,000; expenses paid to attend at least one conference of Ford fellows; and access to Ford liaisons, a network of former fellows who provide mentoring and support. Applicants must show evidence of superior academic achievement; be committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level; and be enrolled or planning to enroll in an eligible research-based program leading to a Ph.D. or Sc.D. Please see the Web site for a list of eligible fields of study.

Blakemore Freeman Fellowships are awarded for one academic year of full-time, intensive language study of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, or Khmer at the advanced level in approved language programs in East or Southeast Asia. Applicants must be American citizens or permanent residents of the United States. The ideal candidate is someone with stellar grades, outstanding recommendations, and a demonstrated commitment to the Asian country and language and a career path that will benefit from professional fluency in that modern Asian language throughout that individual’s life. Superior candidates pursuing careers in fields such as academia, STEM (science, technology, engineering, math), environmental studies, international business, accounting, law, medicine, journalism, architecture, teaching, social or NGO work, and government service are encouraged to apply.

The goal of the program is to create a network of outstanding scholars from around the world who will become leaders in addressing global problems related to health, social equity, technology, and learning. The scholarships cover fees at Cambridge, living costs, and other necessities. Candidates are selected on the basis of demonstrated academic achievement; they must “have leadership potential and a commitment to serve their communities.” They may study for a graduate degree in any field or a second bachelor’s degree, but should have a convincing reason for pursuing studies at Cambridge.

The Govern for America Fellowship is a two-year paid opportunity for recent graduates who want to serve in high-impact roles in government, working alongside leaders to address real issues in our communities.  Applicants must have obtained a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree between June 2020 and June 2023. The GFA looks for students whose experiences can contribute to their government work and actively seeks applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in government. Please see website for additional details and full list of eligibility requirements.

Applicants must be students in the applied physical, biological, and engineering sciences who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States and who are willing to make their skills available to the country in a time of national emergency. College seniors wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in these fields, and graduate students already pursuing an advanced degree, may apply for up to five years of support.

Humanity in Action brings together international groups of fellows to study minority rights and produce research exploring how and why individuals and societies have resisted intolerance and protected democratic values. Separate programs will take place in Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Paris, and Warsaw. Fellows will meet with local leaders, journalists, and human-rights advocates and produce original research. The program is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and recent graduates. Students of all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. Fellows are selected on the basis of leadership potential, academic achievement, willingness to work with others, and commitment to human rights and social justice.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS) cultivates and supports a multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare graduates to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders who address complex challenges facing the world. Scholars develop deep domain expertise in their Stanford graduate program and build on this expertise through exposure to a wide range of disciplines and cultures within the KHS community. Scholars collaborate and prepare to address important challenges and opportunities facing the world, such as climate change, healthcare, government and policy, and education. Knight-Hennessy Scholars receive up to three years of funding to pursue graduate studies at Stanford, including the JD, MA, MBA, MD, MFA, MS, DMA, and PhD programs, as well as joint- and dual-degrees.

College seniors and college graduates who intend to become secondary-school teachers of American history, American government, or social studies are eligible for awards. Applicants must plan to attend a university with a master’s degree program offering courses that emphasize the origins, principles, and development of the Constitution of the United States, and the history of other forms of government. They must complete their studies in two years.

The goal of this program is to support outstanding students from diverse backgrounds who enroll in two-year master’s degree programs in public policy, international affairs, and public administration and have an interest in pursuing a foreign-service career at the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship provides $40,000 annually for tuition, room, board, and fees during both years of graduate school. The award also includes reimbursement for books and travel allowance. In addition, fellows receive stipends during their participation in a domestic summer internship between the first and second year and an overseas summer internship following the second year.

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.

Each year, PPIA seeks out high-potential undergraduate students from universities across the country to participate in an intensive seven-week Junior Summer Institute (JSI) before their senior year. During their program, fellows are equipped with the knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in graduate school and ultimately, in influential roles serving the public good.

The Rangel Program seeks applicants who are interested in promoting positive change in the world as foreign-service officers for the U.S. Department of State. The fellowship is open to seniors and recent graduates. Fellows will receive up to $37,500 annually to fund tuition, mandatory fees, and living expenses for completion of two-year master’s degrees. The program also supports summer internships to promote professional development. Fellows may use the fellowship to fund graduate studies in international affairs or a related subject, such as public administration, business administration, or public policy. The program encourages the application of members of underrepresented groups and those with financial need.

With full funding for coursework, research, internships, living expenses, and intensive travel, Schwarzman Scholars earn a master’s degree at Tsinghua University, one of China’s elite academic institutions. As each student pursues a concentration in either public policy, economics and business, or international studies, all collectively explore the economic, political, and cultural factors behind China’s emergence as a global power. Most important, as part of an international community of accomplished leaders and thinkers, they learn from one another and build valuable networks. Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion — attending lectures, traveling around the region, and developing a better understanding of China.

Provides grants for up to two years of graduate study in the United States to seniors or recent graduates who are accomplished new Americans and are positioned to achieve leadership in their chosen fields. The student must be one of the following: a resident alien, a naturalized citizen, or the child of two parents who are both naturalized citizens. Applicants must also show a commitment to the values expressed in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. A fellow may pursue a graduate degree in any field, including law and medicine.

The program is designed to introduce outstanding college students and graduates to local government and public service. The rigorous nine-month program combines full-time employment in city government with a comprehensive seminar series exploring the mechanics of city government and the important issues facing the city. Fellows are paid a taxable stipend of $30,000 and receive paid health-insurance plans. Applications will be accepted from candidates who are seniors or who graduated no more than two years ago; who can commit to a nine-month fellowship; and who agree to suspend any graduate study or outside work for the duration of the fellowship.

These scholarships are for women over the age of 35 who are pursuing undergraduate degrees at least half-time. The adversity one has overcome is a major factor in the selection process. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to helping others and making a difference in their community.

The Voyager Scholarship founded by the Obamas and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, seeks to shape future leaders who will who will reach across divides and solve the world’s biggest challenges together. The scholarship offers up to $25,000 in financial aid each year of students’ junior and senior years of college. Awards also include a $10,000 stipend and Airbnb accommodations to pursue summer work-travel experience during the summer between junior and senior year. Following graduation, Airbnb will provide students with an additional $2,000 travel credit every year for 10 years to allow students to continue broadening their horizons and making connections through their career. Students will also be invited each fall to an annual summit, where they will meet with President Obama and Brian Chesky to discuss their public service careers and hear from guest speakers. Applicants should be students who plan to pursue a career in public service and have demonstrated commitment to service. Students should be planning to enroll full-time in their junior year and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Please see website for full list of eligibility requirements.

The When There Are Nine Scholarship Project provides financial support to women students pursuing a career in law who embody the spirit of the late Justice Ruther Bader Gingsburg in her fight against adversity. Applicants should be students who live and self-identify as women, regardless of their gender assigned at birth, who are entering or currently enrolled in law school. Applicants are encouraged to have a commitment to public service. Please see website for additional details and full list of eligibility requirements.