Distinguished Scholarships and Fellowships Program

The Slippery Rock University Distinguished Scholarships and Fellowships program provides information, resources, and support services to students for highly competitive, merit-based scholarships and fellowships. Distinguished scholarships and fellowships are a specialized form of outside funding that is given to some based on high achievement and personal distinction. These scholarship and fellowship programs are nationally and internationally renowned and can open the door for students to some amazing opportunities.

Below we have provided information on some notable scholarships and fellowships. A great deal of preparation is generally required throughout the application process, so students should work closely with Slippery Rock University's Career Education & Development office to determine the best strategy for applying. Students are encouraged to arrange scholarship appointments early in their academic career to discuss the application process and the qualifications for any of these scholarships and fellowships. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Jesse DeFazio, Career and Scholarship Coach, at jesse.defazio@sru.edu or 724.738.2124

Boren Scholarships and Fellowships

Boren Scholarships (Undergraduates) and Fellowships (Graduates) provide unique funding opportunities for US students to pursue a study abroad experience. Boren emphasizes geographic and language study that is critical to US interests and under-represented in study abroad programs.

Boren Fact Sheet

Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)

The CLS Program is part of the US Department of State- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This program provides full funding to participate in an international language program to undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants choose from 1 of 14 languages that are critical to US interest. These scholarships occur during the summer, and many do not require prior experience studying in language. CLS aims to broaden the base of Americans mastering language skills and build relationships between the US and other countries.

CLS Fact Sheet

Fulbright UK Summer Institute Program

Providing opportunities for travel and education, the Fulbright UK Summer Institutes are programs which connect students to one of 9 United Kingdom schools to learn more about culture and topics ranging from technology to climate change. Recipients receive full compensation to travel to a UK university and participate in a 3 to 4 week summer program.

Fulbright UK Fact Sheet 

Fulbright US Student Program

The Fulbright US Student Program aims to promote a mutual understanding among nations through educational and cultural exchange. Recipients of this award have an opportunity to study, research, engage in creative arts, intern in public policy, study contemporary music and document their work in multimedia formats, or teach English and US American culture in more than 150 countries. Applicants for the Fulbright Scholarship are graduating seniors, current graduate students, and alumni (up to 3 years) with a US citizenship.

Fulbright US Fact Sheet

gates Cambridge scholarship

Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides recipients an opportunity to pursue a masters or doctorate of their choosing at the University of Cambridge. The award covers up to three years tuition, cost of living expenses, and an allowance.

Gates Cambridge Fact Sheet

Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship

The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduates who want to study abroad. This scholarship provides awards for US students receiving the Federal Pell Grant to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.

Gilman Fact Sheet

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

For juniors and seniors who plan to pursue a research career in a STEM field. Awards can cover the junior and senior years or just the Senior year, depending on the grade of the applicant. Recipients are awarded up to $7,500 annually for school-related costs, and are connected to a network of other researchers in their area of interest.

Goldwater Fact Sheet

Hertz foundation fellowship

Designed to promote the education of science based students, the Hertz Foundation awards Seniors and 1st-year graduate students tuition reimbursement and a stipend to pursue a graduate degree in physical, biological, or engineering sciences. The award can be used at several different institutions, and can be renewed up to 5 years.

Hertz Fact Sheet

Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship provides awards to students who wish to pursue a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. This scholarship is focused for students who are leaders and decision makers that would like to gain an understanding of British culture. This award covers two years worth of education-related costs.

Marshall Fact Sheet

George J. Mitchell Scholarship

The Mitchell Scholarship is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to Ireland while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community. This award covers tuition, housing, a $12,000 living expense stipend, and international travel.

Mitchell Fact Sheet

Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarships annually awards 32 United States students full financial support to earn a graduate degree at the University of Oxford. The recipients also receive an annual stipend, and a connection to other prominent alumni of the award.

Rhodes Fact Sheet 

Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs fellowship program

Awards undergraduate seniors and graduate students pursuing degree related to Foreign Affairs (Public Policy, Economics, Business Administration, International Affairs, and others). Students receive financial compensation, internships, and mentoring opportunities related to their area of focus.

Pickering Fact Sheet

Harry S. Truman Scholarship

The Truman Scholarship seeks juniors with leadership potential who are committed to careers in public service, as well as interested in graduate study. Recipients receive up to $30,000 for graduate studies in the Unites States or abroad. The scholarship also includes a week of leadership training and an optional summer institute.

Truman Fact Sheet

Udall Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental or natural resource issues through a combination of coursework, research, internships, jobs, or extracurricular activities. American Indians or Alaska Native students are also eligible for fields related to native health care or tribal policy. Recipients get up to $7,000 for educational costs, as well as an opportunity to connect with other recipients at an annual conference.

Udall Fact Sheet