Competitive Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants
Our office helps current A-State students identify and apply for competitive awards to fund research, study, and travel. We work with a variety of national programs that fund research opportunities, summer fellowships, study abroad, and graduate degrees. We assist candidates in crafting competitive applications to best showcase your skills, experiences, and potential for award selection committees.
- ADHE SURF: Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
- A-State Research and Creativity Travel Grant
- National Scholarships and Fellowships
- Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- NSF Graduation Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
- Truman Scholarship
- Goldwater Scholarship
- Gilman Scholarship
- Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship
- More Scholarships and Fellowships
- Summer Opportunities
- Student Resources
- What Are Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships?
- Am I Eligible?
- How Can I Apply?
- How Can I Prepare?
- Faculty Resources
- Why Support Competitive Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities?
- Identifying Potential Student Applicants
- Writing a Great Letter of Recommendation
- Important Dates
ADHE SURF: Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) offers the annual Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) competition to support all types of faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects, and all academic disciplines are eligible.
Award Details
Description:
The Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) offers the annual Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) competition to support all types of faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects, and all academic disciplines are eligible.
Reference Letters Required per Applicant:
3
Who can apply:
Undergraduate students who are enrolled full-time and have a minimum 3.25 cumulative grade point average. The student must have 30 semester credit hours completed when support starts; i.e., the student may apply before 30 semester credit hours are completed, but 30 semester credit hours must be completed when funding starts.
Applicants should have a faculty mentor and should be proposing or already involved in faculty-mentored research activities, creative projects, or Honors thesis research.
While state-awarded SURF grants are limited to U.S. citizens, RTT encourages faculty-mentored international undergraduates to complete a SURF application at campus deadline to be considered for internal research funding. The same selection criteria apply for internal funding and ADHE SURF grants.
Award amount:
Successful students receive up to $1,250 for a full year and $625 for one semester to conduct research with a faculty mentor. Research & Technology Transfer (RTT) provides 100% match for the student stipend, for totals of $2,500 (full year) and $1,250 (one semester). In addition, students may receive up to $750 in travel funds and the faculty mentor may receive up to $750 for travel and supplies.
Deadlines:
Internal Deadline to RTT: October 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM
ADHE Deadline: November 1, 2026
Review Process:
A full review and compilation is required of A-State before submitting SURF applications to ADHE. RTT will do a complete review of applications, potentially asking for editing corrections and ancillary required documents.
Applicants and faculty mentors are asked to work with RTT throughout the internal review phase to complete requested edits or provide missing documents/info in a timely manner before the ADHE deadline.
RTT is happy to answer any questions and review your drafts while you prepare your application. Office hours are Monday-Friday, 9a-4p, and appointments are strongly encouraged. Please email kharris@astate.edu to set up an appointment if needed.
Application details and required documents are attached as ADHE SURF Guidelines & Forms under competition documents. These must be uploaded in your online InfoReady application.
Application Link and Instructions
APPLY HERE
Use the above link to access the online application for SURF.
If you have any issues with the application process, reach out to Kari Harris.
Log In: Use your A-State credentials (choose Arkansas State University log in)
Reference Letters:
- Start your draft by clicking the link above, logging in, and entering your name and email address on the application form.
- Save your draft
- Under "Reference Letters" enter the email addresses for your reference letter writers.
- Your faculty mentor will need to be one of your letter writers. Enter their email address in any space.
- You need 2 other reference letters. These should be professional references who can speak to your ability to participate in a research project, stay on task, complete your work, and any other significant aspects of your character.
- For each email address entered, click "Send Reference Letter Request". If you do not see the button, save your application as a draft, refresh the page, and open it again.
- Reference letter writers will receive an email request to submit a letter for you. These will be uploaded directly into the InfoReady applictation system. Please let your reference letter writers know as soon as your request has been submitted. If they do not get an email from the InfoReady system, have them contact me for assistance.
Document Uploads:
- Supporting documents are provided for you on the application.
- Download each document and review what needs to be done to fill them out. Some documents will need to be completed by your faculty mentor.
- The application has a space for each required document to be uploaded and instructions for that document. Review these carefully and upload the documents as you complete them.
A-State Research and Creativity Travel Grant
Office of Student Research and Scholarship awards research travel funds to students who have submitted abstracts, or the disciplinary equivalent, such as auditions, and are accepted to present at a conference.
Award Details and Instructions
APPLY HERE
Description:
The Office of Student Research and Scholarship awards research travel funds to students who have submitted abstracts, or the disciplinary equivalent, such as auditions, and are accepted to present at a conference. Applications are accepted during both the fall and spring semesters, and will be accepted until funds are expended. Notification of presentation acceptance must accompany the application. *Note - these funds are not for funding research travel or attending a conference without presentation.
Students may request up to $500 for individual travel and up to $500/student in a group for group travel. Group travel applies when two or more students are attending the same event.
Use the attached budget form to create your travel budget. Travel budgets should include all expected expenses and a list of other funding sources (including any others you have applied for).
If you are awarded travel funds, you or your group are obligated to present your research or creative project at the next Create@State symposium, scheduled each spring semester. You are also expected to attend and participate in workshops presented by the Student Research Council. Students who attend SRC workshops regularly may be given priority.
Supporting Documents:
Who can apply:
All full-time undergraduate and graduate students at A-State Jonesboro are eligible.
Award amount:
Students may request up to $500 for individual travel.
Deadline:
Apply at a minimum of at least 60 days before your anticipated travel date.
Administrator:
Dr. Kari Harris
Category:
Student Research & Creativity Engagement
Cycle:
Open
Discipline/Subject Area:
Research/Creativity Conference Presentations
Number of Applications Allowed Per Applicant:
2
Budget Template
National Scholarships and Fellowships
Links to nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships, and awards
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Fulbright grant recipients receive full funding for an academic year; options include serving as an English teaching assistant, doing independent research or creative arts project, or pursuing a graduate degree abroad. Must be a U.S. citizen to apply.
- A-State Campus Deadline: Mid-September
- http://us.fulbrightonline.org
NSF Graduation Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
The NSF GRFP awards full funding for 3 years of master's/PhD study for U.S. citizens aspiring to careers in research. Pre-professional applicants are not supported by the NSF.
- Deadline: Late October
- https://www.nsfgrfp.org
FAQ:
- Am I eligible to apply for the NSF GRFP? To determine eligibility, start with NSF's application eligibility tool. If you still have questions, contact Jennifer Salo or Kari Harris.
- If I get the award, do I have to use it for graduate school at A-State? No, your GRFP award can be used for any eligible graduate degree program at most U.S. colleges and universities. (Specific NSF wording can be found here)
- Is my intended field of study eligible for GRFP? The GRFP is intended for students pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The eligible categories for 2026 include: Life Sciences, Computer and Information Science, Engineering, Psychology, Social Sciences, Chemistry, Geosciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, and Astronomy. For more information on eligible fields of study, see the 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity and read the Program Solicitation.
A-State GRFP Workshop Series - APPLY HERE
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SESSION 1 | SEPTEMBER 21 | 3-5 PM Building the Foundation Develop your research question, review the proposal components, and explore storytelling, promotional language, and strong topic sentences. LOCATION LIB 6th Fl Conf Rm |
SESSION 2 | SEPTEMBER 28 | 3-5 PM Graduate Research Plan Statement Bring your outline, ideas, and notes for discussion and feedback. Identify missing elements and opportunities to strengthen your research plan. LOCATION LIB 6th Fl Conf Rm |
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SESSION 3 | OCTOBER 5 | 3-5 PM Personal, Relevant Background, and Future Goals Statement Bring your outline, ideas, and notes for discussion and feedback. Explore ways to strengthen your experiences, goals, and overall narrative. LOCATION LIB 6th Fl Conf Rm |
SESSION 4 | OCTOBER 12 | 3-5 PM Refining the Application Condense and polish your writing, review references cited, and confirm that Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts are addressed throughout. LOCATION LIB 6th Fl Conf Rm |
Truman Scholarship
A $30,000 graduate school or professional school scholarship for students committed to a career in a public service field. Must apply during your junior year; U.S. citizenship is required.
- A-State Campus Deadline: Early December
- http://www.truman.gov
Goldwater Scholarship
Up to $7,500 per year for STEM majors with undergraduate research experience who are on a research master’s/PhD path. Must apply during sophomore or junior year; U.S. citizenship is required.
- A-State Campus Deadline: Early December
- https://goldwaterscholarship.gov
Gilman Scholarship
Up to $5,000 toward study or internship abroad for Pell grant recipients. Must be an undergraduate student pursuing an abroad program through A-State; U.S. citizenship required.
- Deadline: October and March
- https://www.gilmanscholarship.org
Public Policy and International Affairs Fellowship
Full funding plus a stipend for summer study at a top U.S. policy school, with over $5,000 in graduate school scholarships available upon completion. Must apply in your junior year; U.S. students and international students may be eligible.
- Deadline: Early November
- https://www.ppiaprogram.org/fellowship
More Scholarships and Fellowships
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)
Phi Kappa Phi Scholarships and Grants
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
Rangel Summer Enrichment Program
Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
Summer Opportunities
List of competitive internships, fellowships, and scholarships to fund summer opportunities in research, study, and travel. Contact us for assistance crafting a competitive application. Deadlines for summer opportunities typically fall between November and March, so start exploring early to identify awards and prepare applications.
Summer Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarships
UAMS Pre-Medical Summer Scholars Program
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) with Texas A&M University Department of Aerospace Engineering
https://engineering.tamu.edu/aerospace/research/REU1.html
Healthcare Innovation Sprint, University of Central Arkansas
https://arconductor.org/sprint/
American Institute for Economic Research Internships
https://www.aier.org/internships-application/
The Open Science Grid (OSG) - February
Workshop at UW-Madison, focused on building skills in high-throughput computing for research, infrastructure, and education.
https://osg-htc.org/school-2026/
ORAU Consortium Internships and Fellowships
https://www.orau.org/internships-fellowships/opportunities.html
ANCHOR Summer Fellowship
10-week paid fellowship in Naval-related applied research
Amgen Scholars
Opportunities to conduct biotechnology research in summer at a top university.
https://amgenscholars.com/us-program/
Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Congressional Internships
https://www.apaics.org/congressional-internship
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) internships
https://careers.csis.org/internships
Centers for Disease Control Student Internships
https://jobs.cdc.gov/working-at-cdc/students.html
CRCC Asia Internships Abroad
DAAD RISE – December
Research internships in Germany
https://www.daad.de/rise/en/rise-germany/
DOE Internship Opportunities:
Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program
Student Volunteer Internship Program
Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program
Community College Internships
EERE Robotics IAC Internship Program
Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships
General Counsel Undergraduate Intern Program
General Counsel Law Student Intern Program
Tribal Internship Program
FBI Honors Internship – apply in March of sophomore year
https://www.fbijobs.gov/students-and-interns#honors-internship-program
Future Public Health Leaders Program – January
https://sph.umich.edu/fphlp/index.html
Homeland Security OIA Internship
https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/office-intelligence-and-analysis-internship-program
Koch Internship Program - January
Internships in public policy in Washington, DC, and at state-based policy organizations across the country featuring a $1,500 stipend.
https://standtogetherfellowships.org/koch-internship-program/
Latinx44 Scholarship Program
Scholarships for Latinx students to help fund public service summer internships.
Leadership Alliance – Summer Research Early Identification Program
Paid summer internship offering closely mentored research experiences in the life and physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and the humanities at 20 research institutions across the country.
https://theleadershipalliance.org/summer-research-early-identification-program
The Fund for American Studies internship programs in Washington, DC
NASA Internships
https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research – March 1
https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/sip
National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/index.jsp
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship – Feb. 1
Financial scholarship and 10-week full time paid summer internship at NOAA facility in oceanic and atmospheric science, research, technology, and education; sophomores may apply.
https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/hollings-scholarship
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) student opportunities database
https://www.noaa.gov/education/opportunities/students
Scientists in Parks Program
Works with partners to match college students and recent graduates with short-term, paid internships with the National Park Service.
https://www.geosociety.org/GSA/Education_Careers/Field_Experiences/sip/GSA/fieldexp/sip/home.aspx
Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Jan/Feb/Mar deadlines vary – internships in a variety of fields; Oak Ridge, Tennessee
https://education.ornl.gov/undergraduate/
Pathways to Science list of summer opportunities for undergrads
https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/Undergrads.aspx
Smithsonian Internship Programs
Student Conservation Association Internship
https://www.thesca.org/serve/positions/
Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP)
https://btaa.org/resources-for/students/srop/overview
UN Internship Program
https://careers.un.org/job-level
Union Scholars
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and the Harvard Labor & Worklife Program present the Union Scholars Program – a summer internship program for students of color passionate about social justice and workers’ rights.
https://www.afscme.org/about/careers/union-scholars
US Department of State Paid Student Internship Program
https://www.state.gov/u-s-department-of-state-paid-student-internship-program-fall-cycle-now-open/
Washington Center Internship Program
Contact Dr. Andrea Junqueira, ajunqueira@astate.edu
White House Internship Program
https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/internships/white-house-internship-program/
William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students
Paid internship opportunity at the Aspen Institute Program on Philanthropy and Social Innovation in Washington, DC. For students from underrepresented communities of color with a demonstrated interest in nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, and the social sector.
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms USA (WWOOF) internships
https://info.wwoofusa.org/internships/
Critical Language Scholarship – November 15
Intensive study abroad focusing on critical languages.
Cultural Vistas Fellowship
Intern abroad or in the US.
Delta Scholars Program – February 15
https://www.honors.msstate.edu/delta-scholars/
Doctors in Italy Fellowship Program
Medical and veterinary opportunities.
https://shadow.doctorsinitaly.com/
DOE Fellowship Opportunities:
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education - ORISE
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship
DOE Computer Science Graduate Fellowship
Bioenergy Technologies Office AAAS Fellowships
NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program
Presidential Management Fellows Program
DOE Scholars Program
Fulbright UK Summer Institute – early February
Study abroad in UK.
https://www.fulbright.org.uk/going-to-the-uk/uk-summer-institutes
Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad – early March
https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
Hertog War Studies Program – March 1
History/war/military studies in Washington, DC.
https://hertogfoundation.org/programs/war-studies
Humanity in Action Fellowship – February
https://humanityinaction.org/fellowship/
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant – March
https://btaa.org/resources-for/students/srop/overview
Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship – March
https://www.nationalald.org/stemlerapp
Public Policy & International Affairs Fellowship – November 1
International affairs/policy study at a major university in the US.
https://ppiaprogram.org/page/junior-summer-institute
Student Resources
Information to help students learn more about award eligibility and the application process
What Are Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships?
Competitive scholarships and fellowships are prestigious grant awards and funding opportunities for student research, study, teaching, and travel.
The terms fellowship and scholarship are sometimes used interchangeably to describe a funding grant for academic achievement. Fellowship grants may include living expenses, travel or research funds, or a service commitment in addition to covering tuition costs, often for a period of one or more years. Scholarship grants may help pay for your undergraduate or graduate educational expenses.
Being awarded a scholarship or fellowship is a distinguishing honor that will help you throughout your career…
- A fellowship on your resume identifies you as a superstar!
- The application process helps you focus your goals, hone your writing, and utilize feedback.
- A fellowship provides you with a built-in networking community of other winners.
- A fellowship gives you valuable experience beyond the classroom.
- Fellowships fund your research or grad study and get your work out there for the world to see.
- Fellowships are a great way to travel the globe for free!
A prestigious fellowship or scholarship opens doors for you to go on to even greater success when you leave A-State!
Am I Eligible?
Every fellowship and scholarship has different criteria for eligibility, determined by the organization providing the award. Some are available to undergraduates, some to graduate students, and some to both. Also, be sure to check any citizenship requirements that the sponsoring organization has listed.
The best way to find out your eligibility is to Schedule an Appointment, and we can help you determine which awards you’re eligible for and which ones fit best with your future goals.
Applicants for national scholarships acknowledge and agree that their A-State student conduct and academic conduct records may be checked as a condition for endorsement by the university as an award candidate, and that their conduct record may keep them from being endorsed.
How Can I Apply?
A-State can help you select, prepare for, and apply for the perfect fellowship or scholarship for your interests and goals!
- Schedule an Appointment to begin the application process
- Check out the Important Dates section for application info and deadlines
- Watch for fellowship workshops and presentations to be announced on social media and the Daily Digest
How Can I Prepare?
- Start researching fellowship awards as early as possible
- Focus your extracurriculars on activities that are meaningful to you
- Seek out leadership opportunities
- Be a change agent – find ways you can make a difference
- Take challenging classes
- Get involved with research
- Learn another language
- Get to know your professors
- Look for summer employment or internships in your area of study
- Expand your knowledge of the world – keep up with current events, attend cultural events on campus, study abroad
Faculty Resources
Information to help faculty learn more about identifying and recommending students for competitive opportunities
Why Support Competitive Fellowship and Scholarship Opportunities?
- Open doors for your students to go on to success after A-State
- Give your students valuable educational experiences beyond the classroom
- Get the work of your students out for the world to see and benefit from
- Help your students find funding for graduate/professional school, summer programs, and study abroad
Would you like to refer a student? Want to schedule a fellowships presentation for your classes or faculty meetings? Please Contact us!
Identifying Potential Student Applicants
How faculty can help:
- Encourage your students to think about research and travel
- Let students know these fellowship opportunities exist
- Identify potential scholarship candidates early
- Get those students on the path to a successful application
- Mentor and recommend your students
- Be willing to review your students’ grant purpose essays
Please keep your eyes open for ideal candidates - students with any of these characteristics:
- High GPA and rigorous coursework
- Passion and commitment
- Well-defined goals
- Research experience
- Interest in travel
- Foreign language skills
- Leadership skills and community service
Writing a Great Letter of Recommendation
- Writing Letters of Recommendation Online – a handbook for faculty by Joe Schall
- Writing Recommendations for Nationally Competitive Opportunities – University of Chicago College Center for Research and Fellowships
- Instructions for Fulbright Study-Research Recommendation Writers – Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- Instructions for Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Recommendation Writers – Fulbright U.S. Student Program
- Avoiding Gender Bias in Reference Writing – Arizona State University Commission on the Status for Women
Important Dates
Information on competitive scholarship and fellowship application deadlines
Study/Teach/Research Abroad Scholarships
Humanity in Action – early January
Boren – late January/early February
Fulbright UK Summer Institute – early February
Gilman – early October and early March
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant – mid-March
Fulbright U.S. Student Program – campus deadline early September; national deadline early October
Schwarzman – late September
Critical Language Scholarship – mid-November
Princeton in Asia - November
DAAD Germany Scholarships – varies based on award
Leadership/Public Service/Teaching/Grad School Scholarships
Truman – campus deadline December; national deadline early February
Rangel Summer Enrichment – early February
James Madison – March 1
Udall – campus deadline February; national deadline early March
Harvard Public Policy Leadership Conference - Summer
Rangel – September
Pickering – September
Mitchell – campus deadline August; national deadline late September
Knight-Hennessy – campus deadline August; national deadline early October
Rhodes – campus deadline August; national deadline early October
Marshall – campus deadline August; national deadline early October
Gates Cambridge – campus deadline August; national deadline early October
PPIA – November 1
STEM Scholarships
Goldwater – campus deadline December; national deadline late January
Udall – campus deadline February; national deadline early March
Tylenol Future Care Scholarship - Summer
NSF GRFP – late October
Hertz – late October
SMART – early December
NDSEG Engineering – early December
SURF Grant
Internal Deadline to RTT: October 15 at 11:59 PM
ADHE Deadline: November 1
A-State Research and Creativity Travel Grant
Deadline: Apply at a minimum of at least 60 days before your anticipated travel date.