Social Sciences Scholarships

Late-stage Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences at accredited U.S. graduate schools whose dissertation addresses religious, ethical, or moral questions may apply for Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships. Twenty fellows each receive a $31,000 stipend for 12 months of full-time dissertation writing. Applicants must have completed coursework, passed preliminary exams, received dissertation proposal approval, and be actively writing their dissertation by the application deadline. Professional degrees such as D.Min., law, Psy.D., and Ed.D. are not eligible.

U.S. citizens who are Intercollegiate Studies Institute members enrolled full time in a graduate humanities or social sciences program and intend to teach at the college level may apply for the Richard M. Weaver Graduate Fellowship. Pre-professional programs in business, divinity, medicine, or law are ineligible. Fellowships range from $5,000 to $15,000. ISI awards up to 15 fellowships annually for tuition and living expenses. Apply by the March deadline through ISI. The fellowship honors Richard M. Weaver and supports graduate students who will use advanced degrees to teach and uphold academic excellence.

U.S. citizens who are current teachers, graduate students, or graduating college seniors planning graduate school may apply. You must intend to teach American history, American government, civics, or social studies with a focus on the U.S. Constitution in grades 7 through 12, and commit to attending the included summer program. Fellowships provide up to $12,000 per academic year, with a maximum of $24,000 total. Approximately one fellowship is awarded per state, with about 50 awards available nationwide. Register online and complete the application with brief essays, work history, academic transcripts, and contact information for three recommenders.

Undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who are seriously considering careers in law, legal policy, or social science may apply for the American Bar Foundation Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) in Chicago. Up to five fellows receive a $6,000 stipend for an eight-week summer program. Fellows work one-on-one with ABF research faculty on sociolegal projects, attend weekly seminars, and visit law firms, courts, and social justice organizations. U.S. citizens or permanent residents are preferred. Submit a transcript, resume, two faculty recommendations, a personal statement, and the online application. Founded in 1988, SURF promotes broader inclusion in the legal profession.

U.S. or Canadian citizens or permanent residents with at least junior standing in a German Studies track or minor, or graduate students in humanities and social sciences working on German Studies, may be nominated by a department or program chair for DAAD German Studies Research Grants. PhD students preparing dissertation proposals on modern German topics may also be nominated; students whose proposals were formally accepted more than one year before the deadline are not eligible. Grants of up to $3,000 support one to two months of short-term research in Germany. The number of recipients varies. Nomination by a supervising professor or principal advisor is required. Applications are accepted in spring and fall each year through the DAAD application process.

Undergraduate juniors or seniors, or graduate students, enrolled in an accredited U.S. mental-health-related degree program with at least a 3.0 GPA from the previous semester may apply for the Do It For Donny Scholarship from the Donovan Kayne Lujan Memorial Fund. Two awards of $2,500 are granted. Submit proof of enrollment, GPA documentation, and a 250-word essay on what motivates you to work in mental health. Applications open May 1 and close July 1. The fund provides scholarships to budding mental health professionals to increase access to mental health assistance and help prevent suicide.

Graduating high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and plan to pursue an undergraduate degree with at least 24 credit hours in American history and American government may apply for the DAR Dr. Aura-Lee A. and James Hobbs Pittenger American History Scholarship. U.S. citizens residing abroad may apply through a Units Overseas Chapter. The award is $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years with a minimum 3.25 GPA. The number of recipients varies. Apply through the DAR website with required transcripts and proof of citizenship. Renewal requires annual transcript review by the National Chairman. The scholarship promotes concentrated study of American history and government.

Undergraduate students in the United States or Canada who have begun their junior year, are at least 18, and have not previously participated in archaeological fieldwork of any kind may apply. Students who have not yet completed their first year of graduate school are eligible. Archaeology and related majors are especially encouraged. The $2,000 award helps pay expenses for first-time participation in an archaeological field school with a minimum stay of four weeks. Selection considers both academic achievement and financial need. Apply through the Archaeological Institute of America.

Employees of Kershaw Companies and children of those employees who plan to attend a community college, technical or trade school, or university may apply through the Washington Apple Education Foundation. One $1,500 Brian Kershaw Memorial Scholarship is offered annually and may be renewed for up to four years. Preference goes to students pursuing agriculture and degrees in accounting, business administration, economics, or marketing. Apply through WAEF's scholarship application by March 1.

Asian American and Pacific Islander students enrolled in at least 8 units at an accredited California college or university may apply. You must have at least a 2.0 GPA and be pursuing environmental, cultural, or social sciences, with preference for marine biology, oceanography, environmental studies, or cultural studies. One $1,250 award is offered annually. Submit the application packet by the posted deadline. Funds may support educational experiences related to marine protected areas and ocean stewardship, such as scuba lessons, relevant courses, or events.