George G. Mitchell Scholarship
Purpose
Established in honor of former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell, who served as Chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, the goal of the Mitchell Scholarships is to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.
Programs Funded
The fellowship supports study for a one-year master's degree for up to twelve Mitchell Scholars each year in the institutions of higher learning in Ireland (seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and two universities in Northern Ireland) for one academic year. Awards include tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend and support for round-trip airfare. An additional stipend supports local travel to explore Ireland and develop an understanding of relationships between the island and its European neighbors.
Eligibility
U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 who will have completed a Bachelor's degree before beginning their studies in Ireland may apply. There are no restrictions as to academic field of study except that the applicant's undergraduate program must provide sufficient basis for study in the proposed field.
Selection Criteria
Prospective Scholars must demonstrate a record of intellectual distinction, leadership, and extra-curricular activity, as well as personal characteristics of honesty, integrity, fairness, and unselfish service to others which indicate a potential for future leadership and contribution to society. The small size and frequent activities of the Mitchell Scholars group in any given year means that potential to be an active and contributing member of the group, as well as the ability to flourish as perhaps the only Mitchell scholar at one's Irish university, is important.
Application/Nomination Process
Prospective applicants should contact the Advisor listed below no later than the spring of their junior year, as drafts should be submitted during the summer. See below. Interviews are held in September to help determine which candidates receive official endorsement (nomination) from Pomona College. The number of candidates Pomona may endorse is not limited. The Mitchell Scholarship application is submitted online. Register online to see the application, copy the questions, and follow instructions in the Internal Application section below. Do not submit an application online or enter any recommenders' information in the online application until we advise you to do so. Alumni/ae applicants are encouraged to seek advice from Pomona, but institutional endorsement is required only for full-time students.
Internal Application
Submit the preliminary application by June 29, 2012 for guaranteed advising on this application. If you submit later we cannot guarantee that there will be sufficient time for your application to be considered for Pomona College endorsement, which is required for the national selection process. Download the Preliminary Application and email it to Kristin Fossum. Potential applicants are encouraged to look into other fellowships with similar requirements, and to discuss the potential for multiple applications with the Advisor. Use these resources to explore degree programs at universities in the UK and Ireland
Letters of reference are required. Learn more about Letters of reference.
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