The Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards and the Graduate School Office of Fellowships & Awards are hosting a series of virtual sessions for students this fall aimed at improving access to fellowships and scholarships.

Removing barriers to scholarships & fellowships

A series of panels and sessions for students to improve access to funding.

Fellowships and scholarships are part of our education system that often reflects and supports inequity. Many scholarship programs are attempting to address inequities, yet layers of institutional racism, classism and implicit bias persist and prevent full access to funding opportunities. This series will suggest strategies for navigating all aspects of the application process. 

First-generation students, students of color, and students who identify as underrepresented within the university are particularly encouraged to attend, as are any students who would like to learn about applying for fellowships and scholarships. 

The Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans

10/05/2021, 11:30 am–12:30 p.m.

Paul and Daisy Soros provide graduate fellowships of $90,000 to immigrants and children of immigrants who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions to US society, culture or their academic field. The session will be hosted for UW by P.D. Soros Fellowship staff and UW Soros fellow Naomi Nkinsi. Register to attend >

How to Find Funding for Graduate Study

10/06/2021, 5–6 p.m.

Presented by the Graduate Funding Information Service and the Graduate School Office of Fellowships & Awards, this session will answer questions such as: How should I fund my Master’s/Ph.D. study and research? Where should I look for funding? When should I apply? Register to attend >

 

Graduate Fellowships Promoting Equity & Inclusion

10/13/2021, 5–6 p.m.

Get ready for the opening of application cycles for fellowships that support graduate study (and also some undergraduate study) and promote equity in academia and various professional fields. Register to attend >

Ford Foundation Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Fellowships: Information Session and Fellow Panel 

10/19/2021, 5:30–6:30 p.m. 

The Ford Foundation seeks to increase the diversity of the nation’s university faculties by awarding predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral fellowships. This session will cover strategies for successful applications and include current and former Ford fellows, Dr. Lil Pabon (Ford Regional Liaison, 1993 Predoctoral Fellow), Nicole Kuhn (Predoctoral Fellow 2021), Olivia Orosco (Predoctoral Fellow 2021), Dr. Ralina Joseph (2009 Postdoctoral Fellow, Associate Dean of Equity and Justice, Graduate School), The panel discussion will be moderated by Dr. William Mahoney, Associate Dean of Student and Postdoctoral Affairs, Graduate School.  Register to attend >

 

How to Apply for Fellowships: A Graduate Student Panel

10/27/2021, 5–6 p.m. 

How do you find the time to apply for funding while also juggling life responsibilities? How do you make your application competitive? How many drafts of the essay(s) should you write? Hear from graduate students who successfully applied for funding. Register to attend >

 

Undergraduate Scholarship Applicant Panel Discussion

10/28/2021, 5–6 p.m. 

Hear from undergraduate students & alumni who have applied for a variety of UW and external scholarships. Panelists will reflect on their application strategies, process and offer tips applicable to any scholarship you might apply for. Register to attend >

 

Meet the Selection Committee

11/02/2021, 4:30–5:30 p.m.

A panel of faculty and staff who frequently serve on selection committees for various UW and national scholarships or fellowships will share their insights. Join us to learn how selection committee members approach the process, what they’re hoping to learn from application materials, and more. Register to attend >

Opening the Door to Letters of Recommendation: Advice from Students 

11/17/2021, 5–6 p.m.

Who do I ask for letters of recommendation? How do I ask them? A panel of students who have successfully worked with many recommenders share their perspectives on how to approach building your team of supporters and how you can support your recommenders in writing strongly for you. Register to attend >