Illinois State University
Hibbert R. Roberts Outstanding Senior Award
Political Science majors with a minimum GPA of 3.5 (both overall and within the department), who can reasonably expect to graduate in May, August, or December of the year of the award are eligible to apply. Outstanding scholarly achievement in and out of the classroom and faculty recommendations are the major criteria governing who will receive the award. A cash prize is part of the award.
Hibbert Roberts Scholarship
Political Science majors who are juniors in the spring semester of the year of the award are eligible to apply. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA and must be involved in the activities of the Political Science department and/or the University. The scholarship will be available to the winner in the fall of the award year.
Alice Ebel Annual Award
Female Political Science majors who will graduate no earlier than December of the year of the award. Nominees must demonstrate a high level of accomplishment in the discipline and the promise of an exceptional professional contribution after graduation. These factors shall be measured by GPA (overall and in the major), faculty recommendations, professional activities, achievements, and career aspirations. A cash prize is associated with the award.
Alice Ebel Monthly Scholarship
All female political science majors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible to apply for an Alice Ebel Academic Scholarship. This scholarship was established by the first chair of the Department who was interested in promoting the advancement of women in public service careers. The scholarship is available at any time during the academic year and will be determined by the Department Executive Committee on a monthly basis. Amounts vary. To apply for the scholarship, please submit the following materials to Professor Ali Riaz, Chair, Department of Politics and Government 4600, Illinois State University, Normal, IL 61790-4600: 1. A letter of application stating your achievements and goals and indicating how you could use this scholarship to cover university expenses; 2. An unofficial transcript showing your grade point average; 3. A letter of recommendation from one faculty member at ISU or your college or high school is requested.
POS Minority Student Scholarship
Minority Political Science majors who expect to graduate in the year of the scholarship award and who have a minimum 3.3 GPA (overall or in the major), and who plan to go on to graduate or law school are eligible to apply. Criteria for selection include GPA, demonstrated leadership on behalf of minority students, participation in public service activities, and recommendations from members of the department. The scholarship funds will not be disbursed to the winner until the student has actually enrolled in a qualifying program.
POS Subfield Achievement Awards
Political Science majors or minors nominated by department faculty who intend to graduate in the year of the award with at least a 3.3 GPA in the major/minor and at least three courses in the Subfield are eligible for these awards. The Hibbert R. Roberts Outstanding Senior Award winner will not be eligible for consideration for this award unless she/he is the only student eligible within the Subfield. In addition to GPA, the number and level of courses taken within the Subfield and other academic activities undertaken (especially those related to the Subfield) will also be considered.
Outstanding Legal Studies Student
Legal Studies minors and contact majors with at least a 3.3 GPA (both overall and in legal studies classes) and who intend to graduate in the year of the award are eligible for consideration for this award. Criteria for selection include GPA, number of courses taken within the program and performance of internships (if one is taken).
Thomas Eimermann Mock Trial Scholarships
The Eimermann scholarship fund gives out $1,000.00 awards in the form of credits toward tuition and fee charges and/or for reimbursement of text books. Recipients of these awards may continue to receive them for up to four years as long as they meet the awards eligibility requirements and continue to participate in mock trial competition for ISU. To be eligible to receive an Eimermann Scholarship, the applicant must: (1) Be a currently enrolled student in good standing at Illinois State University, or have been admitted to ISU as a freshman or transfer student; (2) Have demonstrated strong academic achievement, as evidenced by a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale at ISU or, in the case of freshmen and transfer students, at the last high school or college attended; and (3) Have demonstrated commitment to and a record of success in mock trial competition at either the collegiate or high school level.
Thomas More Scholarship in Political Philosophy
This scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore or junior Political Science major who has demonstrated special interest and ability in the study of political philosophy through courses taken in the field. To be considered, a student should anticipate a career in teaching law, or some other form of public service. Course grades, extracurricular activities, and financial need will be considered in awarding this scholarship.
Graduate Student Service Award
The Department of Politics and Government will grant this annual award to one graduate student who has distinguished herself/himself in service contributions to the Department beyond the regular duties of a graduate assistant.
Charter Department Outstanding Graduate Student Award
Graduate students in the Political Science Department who have graduated in December of the preceding year, or who intend to graduate in May or August of the year of the award are eligible for this award. Ordinarily, students under consideration should have completed or have in progress all of their coursework for the graduate degree. Criteria to be considered in determining the winner of this award include GPA, professional activities (such as presenting a paper at a conference) and activities within the graduate college.
Tom Wilson Award for Public Service
This award will be given to students that have shown outstanding ability in their current or completed internship. Preference is given to those students whose internships take them out of the local community.
The Frank M. and Hermina R. Giordano Scholarship Award
This scholarship was established in their honor by their son Gerald to help and encourage those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Illinois State University. Must be a student in good standing, majoring in Political Science with a 3.0 GPA or higher and be a junior, senior, or graduate student.
Walter S G Kohn Award
Political Science undergraduate or graduate students with at least 3.0 GPA who have demonstrated interests in European politics, attended at least one course on European politics, and would continue to pursue issues relevant to the understanding of contemporary politics of European countries will be eligible for the award.
Northern Illinois University
Inez Nelson Family Endowed Scholarship
Junior or Senior in class status during the year in which the scholarship is awarded, enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking undergraduate at NIU. Recipient must have demonstrated academic interest in international relations as evidenced by appropriate course work in international relations. Recipient will be required to submit a paper for consideration for publication on one of two topics: “Small countries’ contributions of benefit to the people of the world” OR “The dependence of small countries on the larger countries for their security.” Preference granted to students of Swedish descent and to students who demonstrate financial need.
Joe R. Wilkinson Memorial Fund – Endowed
Graduating senior with a major in Political Science who has the highest GPA among all graduating Political Science students.
Kevin McKeough Award for Outstanding Participation in the Political Process
Demonstration of outstanding contribution to the political process through political campaigns, interest group activity, election to public office, or work in government agencies.
The John G. and Barbara C. Peters Expendable Fund for Student Public Service
Demonstration of merit and genuine commitment to pursue a career in public service or public administration.
Rockford College
Edward W. and Virginia Mill Award
The Edward W. and Virginia Mill Scholarship Award in the department of Political Science was established in 1981 in memory of Dr. Edward Mill, who was Chairman of our Department from 1955 to 1959, and his wife Virginia. In addition to his professorship here, Dr. Mill taught at Long Island University and Occidental College and occupied a number of positions in the United States Foreign Service and the State Department.
The recipient, a junior or senior majoring in Political Science, or a Social Sciences Divisional major whose primary concentration is Political Science, must have completed 20 credit hours in Political Science (or, in the case of transfer students, at least 16 hours at Rockford College), and have an outstanding academic record, both in the major and overall. Multiple awards are possible in any given year.
Political Awareness Award
The Political Awareness Award was established in 2004 by Helena Milman, an alumna of our Political Science Department who graduated in 1997. Lena came to the United States from Russia, at the age of 15, as an exchange student at the Belle Emerson Keith School. Her grasp of English was a bit shaky, but she was fiercely determined to make the best of her new opportunities. While at Rockford College, she attended the Washington Semester Program and was active in the Model UN and the International Students Association. Following graduation, she worked at a law firm in Chicago, and, as of spring 2006, was completing her law degree. The award that she set up recognizes students who, like its sponsor, have demonstrated extraordinary regard for political thought and political action, and who are free thinkers.
The recipient must be a senior, whose GPA is at least 2.4, whose last two years and most of whose upper-level coursework has been taken at Rockford College (including approved off-campus programs, such as Regent’s College or the Washington Semester). The nomination is made by the Political Science Department Chairman, in consultation with relevant faculty in the departments of Economics, History and Philosophy.
University of Eastern Illinois
Watson Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund in Memory of Dallas, Hazel, and Leland Watson
Established in 2001 by the Hazel Watson Scholarship Fund, this scholarship rotates annually between students majoring in the areas of business, political science, and theater, with a preference given to theatrical lighting. Recipients must be full- or part-time students currently enrolled at Eastern for a minimum of six semester hours, have an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher, display a need for financial aid, demonstrate a high quality of character, and be a resident of Illinois, with priority given to a Coles County resident. Applicants must submit a one page personal letter setting forth the reason for applying and stating future career goals. Recipients may reapply to receive the award one additional term if the selection criteria continues to be met. The award is issued in Fall Semester only.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Charles E. Merriam Scholarships
Two awards are made every spring to undergraduates at the University of Illinois for study in political science during the following academic year. These awards are made possible through a gift to the University by Charles J. Merriam in honor of his father, the late Charles E. Merriam, who was a distinguished political scientist. Students with outstanding academic records are invited to apply by submitting a letter indicating courses which are being taken currently along with a copy of a current transcript.
Charles E. Merriam Essay Contest
The Charles E. Merriam endowment also funds the Merriam Essay Award. Up to two scholarships for the best essays submitted in the area of local government and politics are made each year. The essay should not exceed 7500 words. The award is open to all undergraduate students except seniors.
Peter F. Rossiter Scholarships
One or two Peter F. Rossiter Scholarships are awarded annually to majors in Political Science. The amount of the award depends on the degree of financial need. All freshman, sophomore, or junior political science majors registered at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign are eligible to apply. Each applicant must submit a letter expressing interest in being considered for a Rossiter award. Also, since awards will be based on applicants’ financial need as well as their academic record, each student who wishes to be considered for a Rossiter award must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the Parent’s Confidential Statement (applicable to the year for which application is being made) submitted to the Student Financial Aids Office, Room 420, Student Services Building.
William Jennings Bryan Prize
Bryan was the Democratic Party’s candidate for President three times, the Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, and the prosecutor of John Scopes in the famous Tennessee court case on evolution. Bryan left a small bequest to the university for the best essay on government. This prize is awarded every five years; the next offering will be in 2013.
Dean S. Dorman Award
Dean S. Dorman graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in 1909. He and his employer, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, created a fund to allow undergraduate students to travel as departmental delegates to conferences and symposia in which they are participants. There are several awards annually; applications should be submitted in the term previous to the one in which the student plans to travel.
Ronald H. Filler Political Science Scholarship
Ronald H. Filler is a commodities attorney who funds a scholarship to be awarded to sophomores based on their academic merit. He will also mentor any interested recipients.
Bob Byars Scholarships for First Generation College Students
Bob Byars was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science from 1968 to 1975. He enjoyed the solidarity and support of many students and colleagues at Illinois during his struggle to gain tenure in the Department. Some 25–30 years later, he resumed contact with several former students who had succeeded in a variety of fields, who pooled their resources for a need-based
scholarship fund for first-generation college students in political science at the University of Illinois.
Rita and Leonard Ogren Award
A fund honors the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Ogren by giving awards to undergraduates and graduates in political science.
University of Illinois at Springfield
Honors the outstanding undergraduate student in the department. This student leads the B.A. candidates in political science at the graduation ceremony.
Presented to the student whose internship experience is especially outstanding. Selection is made by the department faculty and is available to both graduates and undergraduates.
Awarded to the student for the quality of citizenship shown in department, university, and public affairs.
Baccalaureate Honors In Political Science
Presented to a B.A. candidate for outstanding scholarly achievement in political science.
Awards for excellence in Political Science
Bestowed by the department upon students who perform well in any of a variety of academic and political pursuits.
Western Illinois University
Charles A. Leonard Memorial Continuing Student Scholarship
GPA, ACT, Year in School: Outstanding Political Science major; freshman, sophomore, junior
Major, Other Requirements: Declared Political Science major; students can apply directly or be nominated by faculty
Program Information: Political Science
Deadline to Apply: May 1
Award Amount: $500
Clarence E. Neff Memorial Scholarship
- GPA, ACT, Year in School: 3.25 GPA; Must be a junior, senior, or transfer student majoring in political science
- Major, Other Requirements: Political Science
- Program Information: Political Science
- Deadline to Apply: Contact the Political Science Department
- Award Amount: $500 each award
- Apply to/Contact Information:
- Comments: Must reside in the 17th Congressional District
- GPA, ACT, Year in School: 3.0 GPA, Transfer
- Major, Other Requirements: Political Science Major
- Program Information: Political Science
- Deadline to Apply:
- Award Amount: $1000 per yr-more th
- Apply to/Contact Information:
- Comments: Renewable
Wheaton College
The purpose of this scholarship is to honor the memory of Doug Beers, an outstanding Wheaton graduate whose life was cut short by a tragic accident. Doug was a political science major and played key role in student government. Following graduation, he became deeply involved in local (Hanover Township) politics and soon thereafter ran for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives, nearly succeeding. Subsequently, he worked in the election campaigns of other state and local candidates. Since this award seeks to honor the memory of this outstanding young man, applicants must have a demonstrated interest in grass-roots politics. The award provides a stipend of about $2,000.
The scholarship, given in honor of Dr. Lyman (Bud) Kellstedt, who served on the faculty from 1980 until his retirement in 2000, is given to a promising student who is committed to the systematic study of religion and politics. Prof. Kellstedt specialized in American politics and more particularly in the nature and role of religion in politics. Juniors who have an interest in religion and politics and who are planning on graduate study in political science are eligible. Applications are accepted in March.
The Timothy Weeden Scholarship
The purpose of the Senator Timothy Weeden Scholarship is to encourage Wisconsin political science majors in their efforts to make a difference through the political process. Timothy Weeden, a 1973 graduate of the Political Science Department of Wheaton College, served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from 1984-1986 and was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1987, serving as a Senator until 1998.
