Removing Barriers to Scholarships & Fellowships
A series of virtual panels and sessions for students to improve access to funding
Fellowships and scholarships are part of our education system that often reflects and supports inequity. Many scholarship programs are attempting to address inequities, yet layers of institutional racism, classism and implicit bias persist and prevent full access to funding opportunities. This series will suggest strategies for navigating all aspects of the application process.
First-generation students, students of color, and students who identify as underrepresented within the university are particularly encouraged to attend, as are any students who would like to learn about applying for fellowships and scholarships.
Register below for any and all sessions that interest you!
How to Find Funding for Graduate Study
This online information session will answer questions such as: How should I fund my Master’s/Ph.D. study and research? Where should I look for funding? When should I apply?
This event has passed, view the recording >
Opening the Door to Letters of Recommendation
Who do I ask for letters of recommendation? How do I ask them?
A panel of students and mentors who have successfully worked together on various applications and recommendations will share their experiences and perspectives. Learn how to build your team of supporters and how you can help your recommenders in writing strong letters for you.
This event has passed, request meeting notes >
Graduate Fellowships Promoting Equity & Inclusion
Get ready for the opening of application cycles for fellowships that support graduate study (and also some undergraduate study) and promote equity in academia and various professional fields.
Tuesday, 10/17/2023, 5–6 p.m., online, Register to attend >
Scholarships and Fellowships for Graduate Study: A Panel Discussion for International Students
A panel of international student awardees will discuss their experiences and offer tips on applying for fellowships to support graduate school as international students. The panel will be most useful to non-U.S. citizen students seeking funding for 2024-25 or later.
This session is offered in collaboration with the UW Graduate School Office of Fellowships & Awards, UW CIRCLE, and the UW Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards.
Panelists:
Julio Chavez Dorado, PhD Mechanical Engineering, Link Foundation Fellowship
Rahoul Banerjee Ghosh, BS Chemistry, Mary Gates Research, Mortar Board Alumni/Tolo, Library Research Husky 100
Jonathan Lara-Arevalo, MPH Nutritional Sciences, Foreign Fulbright, Mortar Board Alumni/Tolo Scholarship
Lisa Orii, PhD Computer Science & Engineering, QUAD Fellowship Funai Foundation Overseas Scholarship
Ze Xia (Lucas) Wang, BS/MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, Alumni of BS Informatics, Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship
Wednesday, 10/25/2023, 5–6 p.m., online, Register to attend >
How to Apply for Scholarships & Fellowships: A Student Panel Discussion
Join this panel discussion to hear directly from undergraduate and graduate students who successfully applied for funding! We will cover these questions and more: -How do you decide which scholarships and fellowships to apply for? -How do you find the time to apply for funding while also juggling life responsibilities? -How do you make your application competitive?
Panelists:
Abby Burtner, BS Biochemistry, DAAD RISE, Goldwater, Washington Research Foundation
Richie Doan, BS Computer Science and Engineering, BA in global and regional studies, Gilman
Isabell Ellison, BS Civil Engineering, Udall
Tiara Schwarze-Taufiq, BS Neuroscience and Public Health, Mary Gates, Dennis Lang, WRFF, Husky 100
Meshell Sturgis, PhD Communicaton, MA Cultural Studies, ACLS/Luce, Mortar Board/Tolo, Ford Dissertation Fellowship (Awarded, Declined)
Karissa Braxton, MPA Public Administration, AAUW Career Development Grant
Alika Bourgette, PhD History, SSRC IDRF, Ford Foundation Dissertation Fellowship
Wednesday, 11/01/2023, 5–6:30 p.m., online, Register to attend >
Meet the Scholarship Selection Committee
This panel will feature faculty and staff who frequently serve on selection committees for various national and UW scholarships or fellowships. Join us to learn how selection committee members approach the process, what they’re hoping to learn from application materials, and more.
Wednesday, 11/08/2023, 5–6 p.m., online, Register to attend >
Undergraduate Scholarship Search Party
Searching for scholarships and awards is not the most exciting task in the world. Join us—we will share search strategies and work in community during this low-stress opportunity to get motivated and to encourage one another.
These drop-in sessions are offered on the 2nd Monday in Fall Quarter, open to all undergraduate students. Each month we will highlight some scholarships or have a theme, but advisors will be available to help with general scholarship searches too! Stay for as long or short as you want.
Snacks provided, bring your laptop and detective skills to this Scholarship Search Party!
Next session: Monday, 11/13/2023, 3:30–5 p.m., Mary Gates Hall 171, Register to attend >
This Fall 2023 series of virtual sessions is hosted by the Office of Merit Scholarships, Fellowships & Awards and the Graduate School Office of Fellowships & Awards for students aimed at improving access to fellowships and scholarships.