Undergraduate Fellowships

An undergraduate fellowship is an opportunity funded by an outside organization. With a few exceptions, programming and/or funding ends by the summer after you graduate from Centre. Undergraduate fellowships include programs that promote leadership development and public service (Truman), support research and/or study abroad opportunities (CLS, DAAD, Fulbright UK), assist in preparation for graduate school (PPIA), or provide scholarship money that can be used toward tuition and fees at Centre (Goldwater, Voyager). Any student fully enrolled at Centre College (first-year, sophomore, or junior) can apply for undergraduate fellowships. However, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and application deadlines are unique and specific to each fellowship.

Students can expect to find notifications for opportunities in their in-boxes or social media feeds throughout the year. Information sessions, on-campus selection activities, and advising are divided into three separate cycles based on national and international application deadlines: October to March for spring deadlines; April to August for early fall deadlines; and September to mid-December for late fall deadlines. 

Undergraduate Opportunities

The descriptions listed below are general overviews and do not detail all eligibility requirements. Please review the sponsoring foundation's website for more details.

Boren Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students* of all proficiency levels who seek to enhance their linguistic skills in a wide range of critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, and Swahili. Scholars study languages and cultures that are underrepresented in traditional language and study abroad programs. Afterwards, scholars are expected to commit themselves to public service and work with such organizations as the US Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, or USAID. 

*Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or older and matriculated in an associate or bachelor's degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of the national application deadline. They must remain matriculated in an undergraduate degree program 

Learn more about the Boren Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship is offered through the U.S. State Department with the aim of educating motivated students* in languages critical to the security and prosperity of the US, for example, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Swahili, etc. CLS includes a summer study abroad program where students act as citizen ambassadors while mastering one language.

*Applicants must be at least 18 years old by May 15, 2023, be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate (associate, bachelor's) or graduate (master's, doctoral, professional degree) level at the time of application, and complete at least one full year of study (two semesters or three quarters) by the beginning of the CLS Program in Summer 2023.

Learn more about the Critical Language Scholarship

RISE stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering. RISE Germany offers undergraduate students from North American, British, and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. RISE Germany is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

*Applicants must be enrolled at a college/university with a 4-years program and are required to have completed at least two years of an undergraduate degree program by the time of the internship.

Learn more about DAAD Rise Germany 

The Fulbright UK Commission offers summer opportunities for rising sophomores and juniors* to explore the UK, participate in academic study, and meet people from around the world. The Commission covers the cost of airfare, tuition and fees, and accommodation. The program is held at four institutions in the UK (Queen's University Belfast, Glasgow School of Art and University of Strathclyde, University of Bristol, and Aberystwyth University.)

*Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the program and have at least two years of undergraduate study remaining following participation in the institute.

Learn more about Fulbright UK Summer Institute

The US State Department's Gilman Scholarship Program provides students* funding to study abroad and to complete a post-overseas project promoting study abroad. Through the scholarship, recipients of limited financial means gain the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and languages and develop skills that serve both recipients and the nation as a whole. 

*Applicants must be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States and receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.

Learn more about Gilman (Benjamin A.) International Scholarship

The Goldwater Scholarship Program seeks sophomores and juniors* who have the potential to become leading researchers in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering, and who have shown commitment to this career goal. Selected students receive up to $7,500 a year to help cover costs associated with tuition, mandatory fees, books, and room and board. Nomination by college is mandatory for all applicants. Contact the Office of Fellowships about the on-campus selection process.

*Applicants must be full-time matriculated sophomores or juniors pursuing a degree at an accredited 2- or 4-year institution of higher education during the academic year in which they are nominated.

Learn more about the Goldwater Scholarship

Through the National Institute of Health's Summer Internship Program, individual NIH scientists select interns* to work with them on biomedical research projects. Internships last at least eight weeks and awardees receive a monthly stipend. 

*Applicants must be 17 years of age or older by June 15 of the year they apply and enrolled at least half-time in an accredited college (including community college) or university as an undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at the time of application.

Learn more about the NIH Summer Internship Program

The PPIA Junior Summer Institute is a fully-funded graduate-level preparatory program designed for undergraduate juniors pursuing careers in public service. Students hone their leadership, communication, and analytical skills studying economics, public policy, statistics, and international affairs for seven weeks at one of the program’s partner universities.

Learn more about PPIA Junior Summer Institute Fellowship

The Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation provides funding for postgraduate study to future agents of change. The scholarship is for students* interested in pursuing careers in public service in the government, education, nonprofit, public health, or public interest/advocacy sectors. Nomination by the college is mandatory for all applicants. Contact the Office of Fellowships about the on-campus selection process.

*Applicants must be currently enrolled at a US-based accredited institution and in their penultimate year of school (for candidates graduating in four years or more) or in their final year of school (for candidates graduating in three years or fewer).

Learn more about the Truman Scholarship

The Rangel Summer Enrichment program provides undergraduate students* with a six-week academic and pre-professional summer program in Washington, DC. The program focuses on helping students develop the skills necessary for an international affairs career. Tuition, travel, housing, and two meals per day are covered by the program. Additionally, awardees receive a stipend of $3,200. 

*Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students, with at least sophomore status at the date of the application deadline.

Learn more about Rangel (Charles B.) Summer Enrichment Program

The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship provides rising juniors who are committed to public service and have demonstrated financial need with the opportunity to develop into leaders who can build community and help solve the world's biggest challenges. Scholars receive up to $25,000 in financial aid for each of their last two years of college and a $10,000 stipend and free Airbnb housing for a student-designed travel-work experience in the summer before their senior year.

Learn more about the Voyager Scholarship

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