Overview:
The Mitchell Scholars Program, named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell’s pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed 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 community and public service. The Scholarship offers one year of study in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen
- Senior or recent alumni
- Between 18 and 29 years old
- 3.7 GPA or higher (3.8 or higher, highly recommended)
- Demonstrate leadership potential
Application Materials:
- One personal statement (750 -1000 words)
- A successful personal statement will answer the following questions:
- What are your career goals and professional aspirations?
- How have your program studies or experiences at Penn State prepared you for your proposed course of study?
- What prompted you to see further academic study in the UK/Ireland specifically? Is there a specific university or program you've identified for an application?
- How does the proposed course of study support your career goals?
- A successful personal statement will answer the following questions:
- Indication of scholarship(s) for which you wish to be nominated
- Two letters of recommendation addressed to the campus evaluation committee
- List of additional letter writers and brief descriptions of the contexts in which you know each
- 6-8 additional writers for Rhodes
- 3-5 additional writers for Marshall, Mitchell and Churchill
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Transcript(s)
Application Procedure:
Office Application Deadline - March 19, 2023
Given that the university is required to nominate its candidates, there is an office application deadline and a campus evaluation process.
To be considered for University nomination, you must submit the materials listed above to our office via email (urfm@psu.edu). Recommenders should email us their letters directly. You will be notified in April if you've been selected to interview with the campus committee. Nominees will have a chance to revise their materials, if necessary, prior to final submission. Nominees will spend the summer working with the office on the application materials required by the Mitchell Scholarship Program.
National Application Deadline - TBD
Given Application materials required by the Mitchell Scholarship Program must be submitted directly using the online application system. Nominees must register the director of the Undergraduate Research and Fellowships Mentoring Office as the endorser so that the office can upload the accompanying letter of institutional endorsement.