The Matteo Ricci Society prepares students to apply for prestigious fellowships by means of meetings and workshops that alert the student to different opportunities and that discuss the different elements of the application process, such as proposal writing and interviewing techniques. Certain students are recommended to work closely with faculty mentors in composing their fellowship applications.

The following is a brief outline of the key fellowship and grant competitions open to Fordham undergraduates. (For information on graduate or professional school scholarships, students should contact the appropriate departmental or career adviser, and should write directly to the sponsoring institutions or organizations.)

Rhodes Scholarships
Awarded for advanced study at Oxford University. Academic excellence (a GPA of 3.7 or better), along with an exceptional record of leadership and participationin extracurricular activities are the prerequisites.

British Marshall Scholarships
Awarded for advanced study at a wide rangeof schools in Great Britain. Criteria for selection are similar to those for the Rhodes, and include a concern for the student's ability to contribute to a greater understanding between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Awarded for one year of focused research following the senior year in one of approximately 140 countries abroad. Disciplinary areas of study covered and the amount of the award vary by country. The feasibility of the research project and appropriate undergraduate preparation are key considerations in the selection process.

Mellon Fellowships in the Humanistic Studies
Awarded to those with outstanding academic promise who wish to pursue doctoral work in preparation for a career of teaching and scholarship in the humanities, including history, area studies, philosophy, but excluding the fine and performing arts, political science, and science and medicine.

National Science Foundation (NSF) Grants

1. NSF Graduate Research Fellowships and Minority Graduate Fellowships
Awarded for studies leading to the Ph.D. in the mathematical, physical, medical, biological, engineering, and social sciences, and in the history and philosophy of science. Awards are not made in clinical education or business fields, in history, or social work, for work leading to medical, dental, or joint science-professional degrees. Studies are ordinarily pursued at nonprofit institutions of higher education in the U.S. or abroad. In general, only seniors or first-year graduate students are eligible. High academic accomplishment is a prerequisite.

2. NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
Undergraduates who have completed a significant portion of their requirements in science work full time with faculty members on research projects. The projects must be recipients of a NSF REU allowance, and the student may approach researchers at Fordham or at other institutions of higher education for permission to participate in the project.

Rotary Foundation Scholarships

These awards support one or more years of study in any foreign country where a Rotary Club is located, for the purposes of learning about other cultures and serving as an "Ambassador of Good Will." Students must apply through the local offices of the Rotary Foundation, as country coverage varies by locale. There are three Rotary programs relevant to our students:

1. Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships, for those who will have received a bachelor's degree and who wish to study in a degree program in another country.

2. Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships, for those who wish to study abroad at the university level, but have not completed their baccalaureate.

3. Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships, for those who wish to pursue either three or six months of language study abroad and to stay with a local family.

Harry S. Truman Scholarships
Juniors with approximately a 3.7 GPA who wish to be active in the area of public policy change may compete for this scholarship. The award provides partial funding for the senior year and significant support for the two years of graduate or professional school. Applicants must have an outstanding record with evidence of leadership and commitment to community service.

New York City Urban Fellows and Government Scholars Program
This program students the opportunity and challenge of an intensive fieldwork experience in urban government. The Urban Fellows Program is intended for graduating seniors and lasts for nine months; the Government Scholars Program takes place during the summer and is appropriate for all class years. The Fellows and Scholars work closely with City officials on long- and short-term projects and attend weekly seminars to gain an academic perspective on the functioning of local government. Students receive a stipend from the City and a choice of paid health insurance plans. All students who are interested in urban government are encouraged to apply regardless of academic discipline.

New York State Assembly Session Intern Program
This program offers college juniors and seniors a chance to participate in state government operations for one semester or for the summer. Applicants should have a strong interest in state government and the legislative process, regardless of their academic field. Contact: Dr. Bruce Berg, political science, coordinator.

Saint Andrew's Society Scholarships
Awarded for one year of graduate study in any field in Scotland. Selection is based on the applicant's record of academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, responsible leadership, financial need and employment, evidence of Scottish descent, and a statement of personal objectives.

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships
The purpose of this program is to attract students into research careers in mathematics or the natural sciences. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit to sophomores and juniors with excellent academic records and demonstrated interest in and potential for research careers in mathematics and the natural sciences. For additional information on external scholarships and fellowships, please contact Ms. Pat Taylor, Director of Undergraduate Prestigious Fellowships.

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