Alec Schierenbeck '09 has been awarded a George J. Mitchell Scholarship, a national fellowship competition sponsored by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance.

Schierenbeck is one of 12 Mitchell Scholars chosen for a year of graduate study at universities in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The scholarship provides tuition, housing, a living expenses stipend, and an international travel stipend.

Schierenbeck, who previously won a competitive Truman Scholarship for graduate study, will use the Mitchell scholarship to pursue a master's degree in equality studies at University College in Dublin where he will research issues of economic mobility and policy-making.

A political science major, Schierenbeck is vice-president of the national College Democrats of America organization and led the College and Young Democrats of Iowa during the Iowa caucuses. He has served internships with the United Nations Commission on Legal Empowerment of the Poor, a New York City urban planning firm, and with the Iowa Legislature.

Grinnell is the first liberal arts college in the country to have three Mitchell recipients since the scholarship was founded. Lara Janson '05 received the scholarship in 2007, and Geoff Swenson'03 received the scholarship in 2005.

The Mitchell Scholarship honors former U.S. Senator George J. Mitchell's contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process and is designed to connect future American leaders to Ireland, while recognizing intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to public service and community.