Mitchell Scholarship

The Mitchell Scholarship will not be selecting scholars to study in Ireland for the fall of 2026.  

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.

The selection criteria include:

  • Scholarship
  • Leadership
  • A sustained commitment to community and public service.

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)

Application Process: 

Penn State is required to nominate candidates, so students should follow this on-campus nomination process to be considered:

  • Step 1: Email URFM@psu.edu your intent to apply.
  • Step 2: Meet with URFM staff to go over the application process and scholarship details. Appointments can be made via Starfish or by contacting URFM.
  • Step 3: Complete the Mitchell Application.  This can be obtained by emailing URFM@ psu.edu.  The application will include:
    • Essay prompts
    • A CV
    • A recent transcript
    • Description of Program of Study in Ireland including institution choice.
    • 3 recommendations addressed to the UK Awards Nomination Committee must be emailed separately by the recommender to URFM@psu.edu.  Recommendations should include at least 1 academic recommendation. You will also be required to include in your application the name of 1 additional recommender that will be included in your final Mitchell application should you be nominated by Penn State. Information on appropriate recommenders can be found on The Mitchell Scholarship website.
  • Step 4: Successful applicants will be invited for an interview with the Penn State UK Awards Nomination Committee after the applicable office deadline.

Application Procedure:

Office Application Priority Deadline – May 10, 2024

It is strongly recommended that applicants complete their application by the priority deadline.  Applicants for this deadline will have the benefit of early notification of nomination status along with enhanced mentoring support over the summer to revise application materials for the national deadline.

Office Application Final Deadline – August 15, 2024

National Application Deadline – TBD

Application materials required by the Mitchell Scholarship program must be submitted online via the portal and include an institutional letter of support prepared by the URFM office.

Information
Year at Time of Application: 
Junior, Senior or Beyond, Recent Alum
Duration of Award: 
Full Year or More
Other: 
No Preference, Graduate Study, International Experience
Procedure: 
Office Nomination
Area of Interest: 
Agricultural Sciences, Architecture, Business, Communications and Journalism, Education, Engineering, Environmental and Geosciences, Life Sciences, Humanities, Information Technology and Computer Science, International Relations Political Science and Law, Mathematics, Music, Nursing and Health Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Statistics, Visual and Performing Arts
Earliest Application Deadline: 
Jan. – April
Location: 
International
Penn-State Sponsored: 
No
Fellowship Components: 
Graduate School