(All information copied from the George J Mitchell Scholarship program website.) The Mitchell Scholars Program is a nationally-competitive fellowship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance. 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 public service and community. Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria: scholarship, leadership, and a sustained commitment to service and community. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.
Eligibility
Candidates for the 2013-2014 Mitchell Scholars program must meet all criteria. They shall:
- be U.S. citizens (permanent residents and US Nationals are not eligible).
- be 18 years of age or older, but not yet 30.
- have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before beginning study as a Mitchell Scholar. Degrees from international accredited universities are acceptable, if all other conditions are met.
- While married applicants are accepted, no allowance is made for the expenses of a married applicant’s spouse or dependent.
Award
Potential candidates are urged to study the Frequently Asked Questions and the profiles of past Scholars to learn about the program, the selection process, and the qualities we seek in a Mitchell Scholar. Because the Mitchell program has only twenty national finalists for a maximum of twelve awards, we ask that upon accepting an invitation to finalist weekend, a candidate be committed to particpating in all aspects of finalist weekend and to accepting an offer from the Mitchell Scholars program if tendered. The Mitchell Scholars Program includes support for one year of study at a university on the island of Ireland. Those who prefer a multi-year academic scholarship should apply for other fellowship programs which offer multi-year awards.
Application
How to apply for a Mitchell Scholarship (click link for details) A candidate who is a full-time student at the time of application must present an institutional endorsement. Candidates must be endorsed by an institution where they have been enrolled for two years of full-time study before 1 October of the year in which they are applying (undergraduate transfer students entering their second year at an institution may secure endorsement from their current institution).
Application deadline
Applications for Mitchell Scholarships must be submitted to and endorsed by an accredited US University. The on-campus deadline for applications for Grinnell's edorsement for the Mitchell Scholarship is 5:00pm on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. The final deadline for the nominee's application to the Mitchell Scholarship is Tuesday, October 2, 2012. Completed applications should be submitted online to Doug Cutchins, Director of Social Commitment, 1233 Park St. Because the CRSSJ (1233 Park St.), which houses the Office of Social Commitment, is inaccessible to students with mobility disabilities, please contact soccom@grinnell.edu if you would like to make alternative plans to submit your application materials.
Elements of Application
Students interested in applying for Grinnell's nomination for the Mitchell Scholarship should submit the following materials before the deadline stated above:
- Scholarship Nomination Permission Form and Waiver
- A printed version of your online application. There is no "unsubmit" button for the Mitchell Scholarship; do NOT press "submit" at this time. You will have an opportunity to continue working on your application after the on-campus nomination process is complete.
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members that assess the nominee's intellectual curiosity, character and potential for advanced graduate study. Please note that nominees will need to submit a total of four letters as a part of the national selection process; in their on-campus application, candidates should indicate who their other letter-writer will be.
- An unofficial copy of your transcript.
- A copy of transcripts from any other institutions
For the on-campus nomination process, please ensure all application documents comply with these submission guidelines. Applicants should also review this advice on writing personal statements, as well as refer to this advice from Joe Schall on writing personal statements.
Ethical Guidelines
All applicants are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines.
Campus Representative
Doug Cutchins Director of Social CommitmentCenter for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice1233 Park St.Grinnell, Iowa 50112phone: (641) 269-4408; fax: (641) 269-4321cutchins@grinnell.edu
