Fellowships & Scholarships

What are Fellowships?

Fellowships are merit-based awards granted to students or alumni for a range of opportunities: research, teaching, travel, professional/academic development, study at the graduate (and sometimes undergraduate) level, and/or entrepreneurial pursuits. They are awarded by a wide range of public and private organizations, foundations and institutions. Opportunities range from short-term summer experiences to several years of graduate study. Some focus on specific work or service projects, while others offer tremendous flexibility for the recipient to design his or her own research or study program. In short, the world of fellowships is a wide and varied one!

Why Should You Consider Applying to a Fellowship?

A post-graduate fellowship can offer an alternative to pursuing employment or graduate school immediately after graduation. You may want to pursue a fellowship if you are refining your interests, wish to build experience, or engage in specialized research, study, or teaching in order to strengthen or advance your career or professional goals. 

Nationally-competitive fellowships recognize outstanding achievement in one or more areas. Some focus on academic excellence while others focus on leadership, international diplomacy, or a commitment to service and to improving the lives of others. Many consider a combination of these factors. Winning a fellowship can be a truly life-changing event – opening doors, offering funding for experiences which might otherwise be difficult to arrange, and providing important introductions and connections to others with similar interests, goals, or research emphasis. 

Is it worth the time and effort?

It’s true: the application process can be complex and arduous. That said, simply completing the process of applying for a fellowship can be an enlightening and rewarding experience. Fellowships require applicants to do the kind of writing that demands reflection, self-examination and consideration of values and dreams. Win or lose, the applicant who gives their best effort is likely to know themself better and to be more prepared to approach applications for employment, internships, or graduate or professional school. 

The Gerald & Carol Vovis Center for Research & Advanced Study will support you throughout the entire application process, from start to finish, with everything from deadlines to writing the essays. Make sure to reach out to Lisa Harris to get started!