Political Science Scholarships & Awards
The following scholarships offer opportunities for funding from organizations outside Geneseo. Students can apply as undergraduates for funding their undergraduate or graduate education. All Political Science and International Relations majors are encouraged to apply.
Truman Scholarship
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship awards $26,000: $2,000 for the senior year and $24,000 for graduate study for students committed to public service. U.S. citizens who are in the upper quarter of their class (usually a minimum 3.5 GPA) are eligible to apply. Applicants must have outstanding academic and service records and plan to pursue graduate programs geared toward public service. Students must apply during their junior year. Students who plan to enroll as fifth-year seniors may apply during their fourth year.
Strauss Scholarship
The Strauss Scholarship provides $10,000 for educational expenses during the senior year. Juniors who want to initiate a public service project during their senior year are encouraged to apply. A project proposal is a major focus of the selection process. Applicants must be in the upper third of their class, typically a minimum 3.3 GPA, and have demonstrated leadership potential and an interest in public service.
American Institute for Foreign Study International Scholarships
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) annually offers up to 150 semester scholarships of $1,000 each. There are also 50 scholarships of $750 for summer study. The awards offset fees and travel expenses at AIFS programs in select international universities (a list available upon applying). Candidates must show leadership potential and involvement in extra-curricular activities centered around multi-cultural and international issues. Preference is given to full-academic-year study.
Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) Scholarships
IES commits up to $1.7 million each year to scholarships and financial aid programs because of their firm belief that financial limitation should not prevent qualified students from participating in an IES program. Applicants may apply for multiple scholarships, but only one scholarship will be awarded per student and a separate application is required for each scholarship.
Rotary Foundation Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarship
This scholarship provides funding for one academic year of study in another country. This award is intended to help cover round-trip transportation, tuition, fees, room and board expenses, and some educational supplies. The purpose of the scholarship is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands. Upon returning home, scholars share the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries. Students may apply through the Berkeley-chapter of Rotary International or the rotary chapter in their hometown.
Rotary Foundation Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship
This scholarship funds either three or six months of intensive language study and cultural immersion in another country and provides funds to cover round-trip transportation, language training expenses, and homestay living arrangements for candidates interested in studying Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, and Swedish. The purpose of the scholarship is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homelands. Upon returning home, scholars share the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.
Merage Fellowship
The Merage Foundation for the American Dream awards a $10,000 stipend annually for two years towards the efforts of fostering education, traveling and learning, securing mentors, and supporting internship opportunities. Students must illustrate a solid academic record, leadership, a commitment to hard work, creativity, initiative, and consistent ethical behavior. Applicants must be immigrants to the United States and must have become a citizen since arriving in the U.S. or hold Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). Applicants must be graduating seniors.
Beinecke Scholarship
The Beinecke Scholarship provides $32,000 — $2000 upon completion of the bachelor’s degree and $15,000 per year for two years of graduate study at any university or college. Juniors planning to attend graduate school in the arts, humanities, or social sciences who are U.S. citizens and possess superior intellectual ability are encouraged to apply. Applicants must have demonstrated financial need. A minimum 3.5 GPA is typical.
Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship funds two or three years of study at Oxford University in England. Scholars can pursue either a second bachelor’s or a higher degree. Candidates must demonstrate a record of academic excellence and leadership potential. Graduating seniors or recent graduates who are U.S. citizens, ages 18-23, in all majors are eligible to apply. A minimum 3.6 GPA is typical.