Welcome to the The provides information, outreach, and support to Vanderbilt students who have the potential to become candidates for nationally-competitive fellowships. This includes helping candidates navigate the wide landscape of funded academic opportunities, identifying programs for which they may be a fit, assisting them in preparing an application, with a special emphasis on essays, reviewing and submitting applications and preparing finalists for interviews.
National Scholarships are not rewards for your past accomplishments; they are investments in individuals who will become agents of positive change in the world.
Most scholarship programs require EVIDENCE of your ability to think, work and travel independently. Research & independent study experiences through programs such as VUSRP, VIEW, the honors program, study abroad and DAAD to name a few go a long way in establishing this. Having FACULTY who know you well enough to be able to write a letter of support on your behalf is critical for advanced study, travel and employment. Get to know your professors through office hours, mentored work or research, campus committees, attending their lectures.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS SUPPORT GRADUATE STUDY TEACHING RESEARCH SERVICE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS LANGUAGES INTERNSHIPS VANDERBILT ACHIEVEMENTS
SCHOLARSHIP CHARACTERISTICS Competitive. Most require a certain academic standing. Each has its own personality. Require a record of commitment to service. May only care about your academic and research ability/promise. Certainly care about your professional goals/aspirations. May require a project or language proficiency. Want to see consistency. Will require 3 8 letters of recommendation.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS* *Application process begins up to a year in advance of the scholarship deadline.
VANDERBILT GRANTS Global Fellows Summer Program Supports participation in Vanderbilt-approved Summer and Maymester programs abroad. Apply through the Global Education Office (GEO). Due January 31. Nichols Humanitarian Fund Supports domestic and international humanitarian service projects. Apply through the Global Education Office (GEO). Due January 31. Magnolia Awards Recognize outstanding student efforts in the campus community. Open to students at all levels. Due February 15.
VUSRP: Vanderbilt Summer Research Program Supports Vanderbilt undergraduate students who conduct research with Vanderbilt faculty. Deromedi International Service Learning Scholarship: Supports students in the College of Arts and Science who want to participate in the VISAGE program. Michael B. Keegan Fellowship: Funding for one graduating senior to spend a year traveling around the world to purse an idea or interest about which the student cares deeply.
FULBRIGHT SUMMER INSTITUTES Opportunity for students with at least two years of study remaining to participate in a 3 6 week academic and cultural summer program to explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK along with other students from across the country. Interested? Contact OHS immediately. Eligibility Limited to no prior study or travel experience outside of the U.S. Minimum GPA of 3.5 Freshman or Sophomore (by year, not credits) US citizen Significant evidence of leadership and initiative, academic ability, character, adaptability and ambassadorial qualities, as well as an interest in the UK and its culture.
Scholarships, internships and research opportunities in Germany for students at all levels and in all fields. DAAD RISE Research Internships in Science and Engineering Summer Course Grant Study and Internship Program (SIP) EMGIP Bundestag Internship DAAD
GILMAN STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIP Study abroad grant for Pell-grant eligible students. The program strongly encourages students to choose non-traditional study abroad destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Students studying critical need languages are also considered for a Language Supplement grant, which provides an additional $3,000 for a total possible award of $8,000. Submission deadlines are October 1 (Spring programs), March 5 (summer programs) and March 14 (fall and year-long programs).
BOREN SCHOLARSHIPS 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, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. Due February 5, 2014.
BOREN SUMMER INITIATIVE FOR STEM STUDENTS s u stainable development environmental degradation G LOBAL DISEASE AND HUNGER population growth and migration ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS Provides up to $8,000 for summer study (minimum of 8 weeks) for students majoring in the STEM fields. STEM field majors may also apply for semester and year programs. All students applying for Boren Scholarships are expected to have a significant language component as part of their proposed study abroad program. Due February 5, 2014.
TRUMAN Awards up to $30,000 for students planning to pursue a master's degree, a doctorate, or a professional degree such as a law degree or a Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Health, Master of Social Work, Master of Education, Master of Public Policy, or Master of International Affairs. Prospective candidates are those who are interested in working in government, education, the nonprofit sector, or the public interest - advocacy sector to improve these conditions. Pre-applications are sent out in October of the Junior year.
UDALL 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. Awards up to 50 scholarships of up to $5000 to sophomore and junior level college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. Pre-applications are available in October.
Beinecke Scholarship: For college juniors with a history of receiving significant need-based financial aid, who plan to attend graduate school for up to five years in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Vanderbilt nomination required. Thomas Pickering Foreign Affairs Junior Fellowship: For juniors interested in a Foreign Service career. Covers tuition, room, board, and mandatory fees during the senior year of college and during the first year of graduate study.
Rotary Ambassadorial Fellowships Ambassadorial Fellowships support an academic year abroad. International Study Fellowships enable candidates to earn a master s degree in an international related field. Deadlines are typically 1 ½ years prior to intended study period.
SAMPLE OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOPHOMORES AND JUNIORS IN THE STEM FIELDS
GOLDWATER Recognizes outstanding sophomores and juniors who plan to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences, computer science or engineering for the purpose of fostering excellence in those fields. Provides up to $7500 annually. Each Fall, Vanderbilt nominates up to 4 candidates who have had significant research experience and are be able to present a two - page essay on research they have done. Students who plan to study medicine are not eligible unless they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in a private practice.
National Science Foundation Summer Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) Enables undergraduate students to participate in ongoing research projects at college/university campuses throughout the US and abroad. Students are granted stipends and, in many cases, assistance with housing and travel. Opportunities are typically listed by January and candidates apply directly to each one in which they are interested.
American Society for Engineering Education. Lists a number of undergraduate and graduate funding and summer research opportunities affiliated with NASA, DoD and NSF. SMART Scholarship program provides undergraduate and graduate students with a stipend allowance, full tuition, book allowance, room and board and other normal educational expenses. There is an employment obligation to the DoD with this scholarship program. Applications due in December.
POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS (Apply during senior year)
FULBRIGHT Established in 1946 by the U.S. Congress to "enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Provides approximately 1,000 research/study grants and 600 English teaching assistantships annually to enable students to pursue international graduate study, research, and teaching in schools worldwide.
FULBRIGHT: Types of Grants Teaching (ETA) Grants: Grantees provide assistance to teachers of English to non-native English-speakers. English Teaching Assistants help teach English language while serving as a cultural ambassador for U.S. culture. Language proficiency is required in countries where German, Spanish, French and Italian are spoken. Study and Research Grants: Available in approximately 140 countries. Applicants for these grants design their own projects and work with advisers at foreign universities or other institutes of higher education. Language proficiency required for most projects. Special Grants in Creative Writing, the Arts, and Music/Culture
Jim Cooper Brian Greene Todd Peterson Nicholas Kristof David Souter Rachel Maddow Lynn Enterline Bobby Jindal Cory Booker RHODES The Rhodes Scholarships, the oldest international fellowships, were initiated after the death of Cecil Rhodes in 1902, and bring outstanding students from many countries around the world to the University of Oxford. The first Scholars entered Oxford in 1904. 32 Americans (83 worldwide) are selected each year. Bill Bradley Myron Rolle
MARSHALL The idea behind the Marshall Scholarships was to build on the Rhodes Scholarships by offering scholarships to Americans without distinction of gender and with a wider age range, to any university in the United Kingdom. Up to 40 Scholars selected each year to pursue graduate studies at a UK institution in any field of study.
MITCHELL Up to twelve Scholars are chosen annually for one year of study in any discipline offered by institutions in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Program provides tuition, accommodations, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend. Candidates identify at least three one-year graduate programs in which they are interested.
GATES-CAMBRIDGE: Full scholarships for graduate study in any subject at the University of Cambridge. Selection is based upon being admitted for graduate study at Cambridge, ranking among department candidates, intellectual ability, leadership potential, and commitment to improving the lives of others. CHURCHILL: Supports one-year of study at the University of Cambridge for students in the sciences, math and engineering fields. The foundation seeks candidates with interesting jagged edges who have a bewildering array or talents. At least 14 awards offered annually.
Students interested in Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell, or Churchill meet with the by April 1 of their junior year to assess their potential candidacy. Those selected to apply will work with the OHS to complete their applications over the summer in preparation for final submission no later than September 5. All candidates will be interviewed by a faculty committee who will make the final determination as to which ones will be forwarded on to the national level.
Leadership Hall VANDERBILT LEADERSHIP McGill Living and Learning Lodge McTyeire International Hall OACS: Office of Active Citizenship and Service Collegiate Leadership Vanderbilt Dean of Students Organization Listing
DEPARTMENTAL HONORS Open to students with a GPA of 3.0 and higher who have demonstrated some degree of originality and maturity in the methods of independent investigation, analysis, and criticism, and skill in the written presentation of independent work. Culminates in either a senior thesis or a series of briefer critical papers followed by a comprehensive examination given in the second semester of the senior year. Successful candidates are awarded Honors or High Honors in their field. This designation appears on their diplomas.
PHI BETA KAPPA To be considered for election in the junior year, students should have completed all of the CPLE requirements by the end of the junior year, including both of the upperlevel options in mathematical reasoning/foreign language. Students who study abroad during the spring term of their junior year are not eligible for election as juniors, but can apply in their senior year. At least 90 hours of the student s total program must be liberal, rather than applied or professional, in nature; and the breadth of a candidate s program, as shown by the number and variety of courses taken outside the major, is considered. Candidates are expected to have satisfied both of the upper-level options in Mathematical Reasoning/Foreign Language. These mathematics and language courses cannot be taken on a P/F basis.
Scholarship Academic goals Independent research interests; Action: Look beyond your major. ACTION PLAN Leadership Position(s) sought/attained Leadership skills being developed Action: Initiate, collaborate, build. Citizenship Actions in service to the community local, national, international Action: addressing a social need. Service Those you are serving or will serve people, issues, concerns Action: connect and deepen.
Set academic goals for each class. Seek research opportunities on campus and beyond. Identify opportunities for independent research. Scholarship Look beyond your major to find relevant/interesting courses across disciplines. Develop your own interdisciplinary major.
Leadership Leadership positions you have/will seek/attain Leadership skills you have developed/would like to develop Actions you will take to increase your leadership skills and activities. Office of Leadership and Intercultural Affairs Office of Active Citizenship and Service, Alternative Spring Break, Interest Organizations Service Organizations Student Government
Citizenship and Service How is the community different because of your presence in it? What is the quality of your citizenship and service? What do you need to do next to make an impact? Who have you served/who would you like to serve? What are your plans to take your service to the next level?
WORKING WITH THE OFFICE OF HONOR SCHOLARSHIPS STUDENT: Do all the things necessary to have the choice to apply for these scholarships; Join us on Anchorlink, Facebook, and check out the OHS website regularly. Read your email and contact OHS to set up a meeting to discuss programs for which you may qualify. Pay attention to OHS deadlines. OHS: Work individually with you to help match you with the right opportunities, guide you through the application process, teach you how to write fellowship essays and preparing you for those programs. When to meet with OHS? As soon as you know that you are interested in a program so we can talk about your qualifications/what you need to do to become qualified, and give you a working timeline.
http://ohs.vanderbilt.edu lyn.fulton-john@vanderbilt.edu 204 Student Life Center Phone: 322-6329 todd.e.peterson@vanderbilt.edu 203 Student Life Center Phone: 343-8924
WILL YOU BE SUCCESSFUL? Success is figuring out your passion what captures your attention and your imagination enough to keep you going. If you don t know what you re passionate about, start with what you aren t and work backwards.