The term “fellowship” is often used interchangeably with “scholarship” or “grant.” In simpler terms, it’s an award that allows you to study, teach, conduct research or earn leadership or public service experience. These awards are typically meant for the period immediately following college, but there are awards that offer funding during your undergraduate years as well.

 Funds an academic year of advanced language study abroad in Chinese, Japanese, Korean and selected Southeast Asian languages.

 Provides up to $30,000 to U.S. graduate students to add an important international and language component to their graduate education.

 The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world.

 Recognizes promising artists from lower-income backgrounds in the visual arts, performing arts and creative writing.

 Offers $24,000 to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level.

 Offers the opportunity to work in France for seven months, teaching English to French students of all ages.

 Sends skilled young Americans to work with non-governmental organizations in India for a 10-month period.

 Members commit to full-time or part-time positions offered by a network of nonprofit community organizations and public agencies, to fulfill assignments in the fields of education, public safety, health care and environmental protection.

 An education-focused organization dedicated to helping students and schools in 27 urban, high-poverty communities across the United States and through the U.K. and Johannesburg, South Africa.

 The Cultural Vistas Fellowship is a fully funded program affording underrepresented U.S. university students the opportunity to intern for eight weeks with organizations in Argentina, Germany or Southeast Asia.

 A social justice program that trains, inspires and sustains leaders.

 For college juniors who show leadership potential and have an interest in government or public service.

 Brings together international groups of undergraduates and recent graduates to explore issues affecting human rights and social justice.

 Places volunteers in full-time service positions at social-justice organizations throughout the United States for one or two years.

 For sophomores and juniors committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy or Native American health care.

 Introduces college students and recent graduates to public service.

 Open to anyone over the age of 18 who is interested in helping people from other countries while learning about their culture and promoting a better understanding of Americans.

 Recruits recent college graduates and professionals to teach for two years in urban and rural communities throughout the United States.

 Provides a $15,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world.

 Provides undergraduate students in science the opportunity to work at some of the world’s leading research universities.

 Provides scholarships to college students intending to become scientists, mathematicians or engineers.

 Funded by the U.S. Department of State, this two-year program provides academic funding for an IT-related degree, internships, professional development and mentorship – culminating in an appointment in the Foreign Service as an Information Management Specialist.

 Awards five-year fellowships for full-time study toward a Ph.D. in life sciences for individuals committed to increasing diversity among scientists.

 Provides grants for postgraduate fellowships leading to the award of the Ph.D. in the applied physical and engineering sciences, as well as quantitative aspects of modern biology.

 Provides professional and financial support for students who are committed to teaching high school science and/or mathematics in U.S. schools.

 Funds doctoral students in fields important to national defense, including mathematical, physical, biological, cognitive, neural, and ocean and engineering sciences.

 Provides funding for doctoral students committed to biomedical research careers.

 Supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

Review the fellowship’s website to see what sort of qualifications the foundation is seeking. And, contact Dr. Karol Weaver, our faculty coordinator for fellowship advising, who can guide you to programs that fit both your qualifications and your goals.

Don’t lose heart! These are very competitive programs. In most cases, you can reapply in the next year. In fact, it may even be to your advantage. More and more applicants are winning top awards on subsequent applications.

In many cases, the organization will indicate what they’d like your references to address: academic performance, leadership, commitment to public service, etc. Think about the professors and supervisors who know you (and your work) well. It is crucial that whomever you choose knows you, knows what you are applying for and has all guidelines provided by the foundation. Copies of your application essays, résumé and even papers you wrote for the professor’s class are also helpful. Give your references at least one month to write their letters.