Scholarship, Award, & Grant Opportunities

Students committed to community engagement have the opportunity to apply to local and national awards and internship grants related to public engagement. The following list provides basic information about some of the awards and grants available to students involved in community work.  

External Awards, Opportunities, and Scholarships

National Awards

For complete information about National Scholarships, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and how to apply, visit:
Office for National and International Scholarships,
University Honors Program, 390 Northrop

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Awards

  • “For graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world”
  • Apply in February of Senior year
  • $15,000 stipend for one-year public service project anywhere in the world

Boren (National Security Education Program) Scholarship

  • “For undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East”
  • Apply in January of Freshman through Senior year
  • $10,000-$20,000 for study abroad in regions critical to U.S. interests
  • Government service requirement
  • Requires University of Minnesota campus nomination

Carnegie Endowment for Peace Junior Fellows Program

  • “For undergraduate students (or graduates who have not yet begun graduate study) who are dedicated to advancing cooperation between nations and promoting active international engagement by the U.S.”
  • Apply late fall of Senior year
  • 8-10 awards nationwide

Carpe Diem Foundation Scholarship

  • “For students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, exceptional leadership ability and a serious commitment to community service”
  • Apply in May of Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior year
  • 12-24 awards nationwide
  • Small application fee required

Fulbright Grants

  • “For graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals and artists to study or conduct research abroad for one academic year who are dedicated to increasing mutual understanding between the U.S. and other countries.”
  • Apply in August before Senior year or after graduation
  • Over 1000 awards nationwide
  • Requires University of Minnesota campus nomination

Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship

  • “For talented students in academic programs relevant to international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy”
  • Apply in January/February of Sophomore or Senior year
  • Two types – undergraduate and graduate
  • Service requirement

Public Policy & International Affairs Fellowship Program (PPIA)

  • “For students who dedicate themselves to the traditions and objectives of the PPIA Fellowship Program, have an abiding commitment to public service and contribute to more diverse perspectives in public policy and international affairs.”
  • Apply Fall of Junior year
  • $5000+ graduate school award for students committed to public and/or international affairs

Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships

  • “Scholars should be dedicated to advancing the Rotary Foundation’s mission of creating understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty”·
  • Apply in late fall of Junior or Senior year, or after graduation, 2 years prior to intended period abroad
  • For study abroad (not through University-sponsored program)
  • Several awards offered in Minneapolis district per year

Scoville Peace Fellowships

  • “Students will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues”
  • Apply in December/January of Senior year, or after graduation
  • Supports participation at a non-profit in Washington D.C. for 6-9 months
  • Several nationwide awards

Truman Scholarships

  • “For college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service”
  • Apply in Fall/Early winter of Junior year
  • Up to $30,000 award for graduate study
  • Requires University of Minnesota campus nomination

Udall Scholarships

  • “For college students committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care”
  • Apply in November of Sophomore or Junior year
  • For students who are preparing for careers related to the environment (of any ethnicity)
  • And for Native American students preparing for careers related to tribal public policy or native health care
  • 80 awards nationwide
  • Requires University of Minnesota campus nomination

Villers Fellowship for Health Care Justice

  • “Students must demonstrate a commitment to social and health care justice advocacy following their year of hands-on experience as a fellow.”
  • Apply in January of Senior year, or post-graduation
  • One year of full support in Washington D.C.
  • One award nationwide

Wellstone Fellowship for Social Justice

  • “Students must demonstrate an interest in health care policy as a tool for reducing racial and ethnic health disparities and in using organizing and advocacy skills to achieve social change”
  • Apply in January of Senior year, or post-graduation
  • One year of full support in Washington D.C.
  • One award nationwide

Campus Compact

  • Campus Compact’s Student Leadership Awards recognize students who demonstrate inspiring leadership qualities through civic and community engagement. Students who receive the award are leading change on their campuses and in their communities and inspiring their peers to do the same.
  • Recipients may be serving in leadership roles on their campus, creating impactful programs in their communities, or collaborating with faculty on community-based research. Each year Campus Compact recognizes two undergraduate student from four-year colleges, one undergraduate student from a community college, and one graduate student.
  • The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports student public problem solvers at Campus Compact member institutions.

 

On-Campus Awards

President Student Leadership & Service Awards

  • The President’s Student Leadership & Service Award (PSLSA) recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of outstanding student leaders at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. It is presented to students for their exceptional leadership and service to the University of Minnesota and the surrounding community.

Office of Equity and Diversity Awards

  • OED provides numerous types of awards and scholarships in support of equity and diversity work and achievements at the University of Minnesota. Learn more about the awards and scholarships available.

U of M Public Engagement Awards

Women’s Center Award

  • The Women’s Center invites nominations for the following awards, scholarships, and grants which honor and support University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students.

 

On-Campus Internship Grants

Internship grants are a great way to fund unpaid internships with nonprofit or community organizations.  

CLA Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Equity

Deepening Community Engagement Internship Scholarship for CLA students who have taken a Community-Engaged Learning course and want to complete an internship with a community partner connected to the course or a similar organization. If you are interested in applying, please contact [email protected].

College of Liberal Arts

  • Amount: $2000
  • Eligibility:
    • CLA undergraduate
    • must already have an internship (usually related/within major)
  • Application process:
  • available for Fall (September), Spring (February), Summer (June) semesters
  • essay format
  • unofficial transcript/APAS
  • Contact CLA Career Services in Bruininks Hall (4th floor)

College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Sciences

  • Amount: $1000
  • Eligibility:
    • CFANS undergraduate
    • cumulative GPA is 2.5 above
    • internship has to be approved by a faculty member (usually academic advisor)
  • Application process:
    • available for Fall (October), Spring (January), Summer (April) semesters
    • short answer format
    • unofficial transcript
  • Contact Career and Internship Services in 198 McNeal Hall (St. Paul) or 411 STSS (Minneapolis)

College of Design

  • Amount: $500
  • Eligibility:
    • CDES undergraduate students studying Design, Housing, or Apparel
    • cumulative GPA is above 2.0
    • will obtain academic credit by registering for DHA 4196 during the same semester as the internship
  • Application process:
    • available for Fall (October), Spring (February), and Summer (June) semesters
    • essay format
    • unofficial transcript
    • Contact College of Design Student Services in 12 McNeal Hall

College of Education + Human Development

  • Amount: $1500
  • Eligibility:
    • CEHD students with Sophomore standing
    • enrolled in an internship course associated with their CEHD major
    • would experience financial hardship for committing to the number of hours needed for the unpaid internship.
    • priority will be given to internships that fit closely with the major and career objectives of the student. See application form for process of applying.
  • Application Process:
    • essay
    • resume
    • short answer application