The Center for Scholarship and Faculty Development provides SPU undergraduates with advice and assistance in exploring a vocational call to pursue an advanced degree. If you are interested in graduate study, you should first discuss your academic gifts with a faculty member who knows you well and then peruse our web site for more information.

Center programs for academically gifted undergraduates include seminars on applying to graduate school, financial support for attending academic conferences, and serving as the campus liaison for a number of major national scholarships. If you plan ahead, we are happy to assist you in preparing your major fellowship applications if you allow enough time for consultations.

SPU Funded Scholarships

• Undergraduate Conference Grant

Provides up to $400 for undergraduate student conference expenses.  Click the above link to download application.

Major National Scholarships

The Center provides SPU students with information about many of the national merit-based scholarships, fellowships, and grants and helps prepare them to compete for such awards. We publicize the programs, help to select the university's nominees, and celebrate those who decide to apply. We believe that the process of applying for such awards, whether you ultimately receive one or not, provides a valuable opportunity for reflection, goal setting, self-knowledge and growth.

Students are encouraged to plan ahead, beginning in their first two years of college, to prepare the strongest possible applications. The scholarship competitions listed below draw applicants from around the country. Most require applicants to be screened at the campus level and nominated by their college or university. As you prayerfully discern your academic and career plans, determine if any of these national scholarships can help you achieve your goals. Scroll down to browse the numerous possibilities; scholarships are available both for undergraduate study and graduate study.

Scholarships for Undergraduate Study

• Boren Undergraduate Scholarship

  Supports undergraduates pursuing the study of languages and cultures currently underrepresented in study abroad and critical to U.S. national security. The merit-based scholarships are based on the study abroad costs and financial aid information. The maximum award is $10,000 for a semester or $20,000 for a full academic year.

• 'Crossing Borders - Issues & Resolutions
  A two-day student conference for full time undergraduate students to discuss and explore the differences and challenges between the United States and Canada.
• The Canada America Study Abroad Scholarship                        

A $3000 scholarship for American undergraduate BA or BS students to study for a term in a Canadian university.

• The Goldwater Scholarship                                            Provides $15,000 for sophomores or juniors majoring in science, math, or engineering and intending to pursue graduate study leading to the Ph.D. and a career in teaching and research.
• The Hendrix-Lilly Vocation Inititiative Travel Scholarship
  Two Travel Scholarships available to the Vocation and Film Conference at Hendrix College, February 15th - 16th, 2008. 
  Each scholarship covers the cost of either flight or car mileage, including rental, a hotel room with breakfast, and main meals Friday evening and Saturday lunch.
• The Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship     A complete fellowship for students interested in pursuing a Foreign Service career in the U.S. Department of State, for the junior and senior years of college and first year of graduate study in international affairs, political and economic analysis, administration, management, and science policy.
• Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship                  For students who have completed two years of college work and desire to serve as outstanding ambassadors of goodwill.  Field of study should help address the humanitarian needs of the world community.
• SMART Scholarship                                                          Available to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students who have demonstrated ability and special aptitude for training and education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields and offers them career opportunities to continue their research in civil service roles following graduation.
• The Truman Scholarship                                                 Provides $30,000 for the senior year of college and for graduate school for students preparing for careers in government, education, or other forms of public service.
• The Udall Scholarship 

           A $5,000 scholarship awarded to sophomores and juniors              planning on pursuing careers in environmental public policy or              health care or to Native American and Alaska Natives in fields             related to health care or tribal policy.

Visit the Student Financial Services Web site for information on available undergraduate scholarships. http://www.spu.edu/sfs/scholar.asp 

Scholarships for Graduate Study

• American Graduate Fellowships                               Supports the advanced education of graduates of small colleges, planning on studying History, Philosophy, Literature and languages, and Fine arts.

• British Marshall Scholarships
  For study at any of a number of British universities.
• Claremont National Scholarships for Doctoral Study

           For graduate students pursuing a Ph.D. at Claremont Graduate 

           University in any of the eight graduate schools.

• The Davies-JacksonScholarship

           A unique opportunity for study at Cambridge University.

• The Fulbright Fellowship
  One year of study/research abroad.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship                                               For study at the University of Cambridge.
• The Harvey Fellows Program                                                For Christian graduate students to integrate their faith and vocation in strategic fields where Christians appear to be under-represented.
• Henry Salvatori Fellowship                                            Designed for graduate students who are trying to understand and appreciate both the principles of the Founding Fathers and the culture that formed their convictions and ideals.
• The Jack Kent Cooke Graduate Scholarship
  For exceptional students with financial need who are enrolling in graduate school within five years of completing an undergraduate degree.
• James Madison Fellowships                                                 Master's-level work for students planning to teach secondary school in American history, American government or social studies.
• The Lilly Graduate Fellows Program for students planning to attend graduate school in the humanities or the arts and are interested in exploring becoming teacher-scholars at church-related colleges or universities.
• The FTE Ministry Fellows Program for students entering a Master of Divinity program.
• The Mitchell Scholarship 

           For one year of post-graduate study in any discipline offered at             institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

• The National Science Foundation Fellowship                       Three-year graduate research fellowships in science,mathematics, engineering, and social sciences.
• Richard M. Weaver Fellowship
Assists future professors who are dedicated to the idea of liberal education.
• The Rhodes Scholarship                                                        For study at Oxford University.
• SMART Scholarship                                                          Available to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students who have demonstrated ability and special aptitude for training and education in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) fields and offers them career opportunities to continue their research in civil service roles following graduation.
• Western Civilization Fellowship

Awards for dissertation work related to the intellectual, economic, political, social or religious heritage of Western Civilization.

Additional Opportunities:

• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Junior Fellows Program

One year position working with senior scholars in Washington D.C.

• Suave Scholars Program is an eight month program in Montreal for candidates under 30 years of age who have completed an undergraduate degree.
• The William E. Simon Fellowship for Noble Purpose           Unrestricted cash grant to college seniors for a variety of uses.

Please Note: 

It is very important to refer to the originating web site for each scholarship, fellowship, or prize for specific and complete information.