Careers in Public Service
There are many fellowship opportunities that aim to fund and prepare students for a post-grad career in public service. Many federally funded fellowships include benefits such as non-competitive eligibility, a hiring advantage for federal civil service jobs.
Opportunities
Truman Scholarship
Overview: The Truman Scholarship Foundation identifies and supports student leaders planning to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service. Focusing on undergraduate juniors, the Truman Foundation aims to fund aspiring leaders at an important inflection point in their development and recognize and reward their commitments to careers in public service. Awardees receive up to $30,000 in funding for graduate school and other benefits through partner institutions. Universities may nominate up to 4 candidates. Applicants must first apply through their campus to receive a nomination.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or national; undergraduate students in their next to last year of school; campus nominee; plans to attend graduate school in pursuit of a career in public service
Benefits: Up to $30,000 of funding to be applied to graduate or professional school; priority admission and funding at partnered graduate schools, mentoring, leadership training and non-competitive eligibility
Best Fit: Students interested in attending graduate school and pursuing a career in public service. Competitive applicants will have significant leadership experience.
Timeline: Campus deadline in November and national deadline in January
IDEA Resources: Info sessions and 1:1 meetings
Boren Awards
Overview: The Boren Scholarship funds students committed to long-term overseas study and to a post-grad career in public service. Boren awardees receive funding to study critical need languages for up to a year in world regions including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Awardees are required to complete one year minimum of public service.
Eligibility: U.S. citizenship; matriculated in an undergraduate degree program during study abroad program; 25-52 week-long programs preferred; must plan to study preferred language and/or in preferred destination
Benefits: From $8,000-$25,000 for study abroad programs for 8-52 weeks; exclusive access to employment support from National Security Education Program (NSEP) and non-competitive eligibility for federal positions; alumni network
Best Fit: STEM or Liberal Arts students committed to learning a foreign language and to a post-grad career in public service.
Timeline: January deadline
IDEA Resources: Info sessions, 1:1 meetings, and Canvas Course
SMART Scholarship
Overview: Funded by the Department of War, the Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship-for-Service Program is an education and workforce development opportunity for aspiring STEM leaders. While pursuing their degrees, SMART scholars receive full-tuition and an annual stipend that enables them to focus on their studies. Scholars participate in summer internships and receive mentoring from top scientists and engineers in the DoW. After graduation, scholars begin a civilian career with the DoW matching one year of service for each year of funding received.
Eligibility: Citizen of the U.S., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or U.K.; have and maintain GPA of 3.0; able to obtain and maintain a security clearance; be requesting between 1-5 years of degree funding; complete summer internships; and accept a one-for-one post-graduation service commitment as a civilian employee of the DoW
Benefits: full tuition, annual stipends, mentorship, health and book allowances, and summer internships at DoW facilities
Best Fit: undergraduate and graduate students of any classification pursuing STEM degree in qualifying major; student interested in civilian career in Department of War
Timeline: applications are accepted from August to December; deadline first Friday of December
IDEA Resources: Info sessions and 1:1 meetings
US Fulbright Program
Overview: Established by the U.S. Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international academic exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the program offers outstanding graduating seniors, graduate students, and young professionals in all academic disciplines opportunities to pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad.
Eligibility: U.S. citizen or national; must have completed bachelor's degree before start of program; must meet language requirements for host country; preference for veterans of U.S. Armed Forces
Benefits: cost of living stipend; 12 months of non-competitive eligibility; health benefits during program; cultural exchanges and experiences
Best Fit: undergraduate seniors and alumni seeking cultural experiences post graduation; students interested in gaining teaching, research, or service experience abroad
Timeline: attend an info session and declare interest in May of junior year; prepare application during summer and apply by campus deadline in September of senior year
Resources: support for Fulbright applicants is available through the Department of World Languages and Literatures. Dr. Lisa Haegele, Fulbright Program Advisor, is the point of contact for TXST undergraduate applicants.
What is Non-Competitive Eligibility?
Non-Competitive Eligibility (NCE) is a special hiring status that allows qualified individuals to bypass the general public in the highly competitive USAJOBS application process. While it does not guarantee employment, it creates a strong interest from hiring managers and provides a faster application process.
The Gilman Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, Fulbright, Boren Award, and SMART Scholarship are among the many opportunities that offer NCE as a benefit for awardees.