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Undergraduate Scholarships

Following is a summary of the donor-funded scholarship awards for undergraduate students at the School of Public Affairs. All scholarship award decisions are made by the Dean's Office at the School of Public Affairs, in conjunction with the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Students may contact Financial Aid for questions regarding their financial aid package.

For general questions about donor-funded scholarships, please contact spadean@american.edu.

The Margery Kraus Public Affairs and Advocacy Scholarship was established in 2008 to provide scholarship support to American University students who participate in the School of Public Affairs Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, by enrolling in courses offered through the Public Affairs and Advocacy Institutes in Washington and/or in Brussels, Belgium for the European Public Affairs and Advocacy Institute.

The Krishnan Family fund is a restricted scholarship awarded biannually to two Non-AU students to attend the biannual Campaign Management Institute, without academic credit. Need for financial assistance may not be a factor when selecting award recipients. Scholarships awarded by the fund will be applied to the cost of attending the Campaign Management Institute as a non-AU student and will not cover living or other related expenses.

The William K. Reilly Scholarship is named for the pioneering environmentalist and former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The scholarship is awarded by the Center for Environmental Policy. To learn about the William K. Reilly Fund, and how to apply, please visit:
www.american.edu/spa/cep/reilly-fund/index.cfm.

Qualifications: SPA Undergraduate studying abroad at the Hebrew University with minimum 3.2 GPA

The Jane R. Glaser Scholarship Fund in the School of Public Affairs provides funding to an undergraduate SPA student. A scholarship will be awarded annually to an undergraduate student for the purpose of spending at least one semester studying abroad in Israel at the Hebrew University PLC. Scholarships awarded by the fund will be applied solely to the cost of attending Hebrew University.

This award was established by Patricia Glaser, Esq. (BA/SPA/1969), family, and friends.

AU undergraduate students should work with AU Abroad on applying to study abroad. Students must apply and be accepted to Hebrew University, as well as submit a personal statement detailing their proposed study abroad plans and rationale for applying. More details can be found on the AU Abroad website (click "Jane R. Glaser Scholarship for Hebrew University" when visiting the page to learn more). Students can submit their personal statements for the Glaser Scholarship to Saul Newman at snewman@american.edu.

 

Qualifications: Undergraduate students with minimum 3.5 GPA

The School of Public Affairs Griffin Scholars Program was established in 2006 to provide scholarship support to SPA students. Eligible undergraduate student applicants will have attained at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA, displayed leadership in civic and school projects, and an expressed aptitude for public service. Preference is also given to students from New Hampshire, followed by SPA students who are legal residents of other New England states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, and Vermont).

Qualifications: Undergraduate students with minimum 3.2 GPA

The Patricia Ann Heinaman Award provides an annual stipend for an undergraduate student who has excelled in their academic work and has made a meaningful difference in community service and advocacy. The award recognizes Ms. Heinaman's tireless efforts to advance policy and issues related to affordable housing on both the regional and national level. This award may be taxable.

Awarded to provide tuition assistance to a full-time undergraduate student in the School of Public Affairs.

Established by gifts from the the Estate of Martha Leinbach (BS/SPA/1951) with the School of Public Affairs.

Qualifications: Rising junior or senior with minimum 3.2 GPA

The Monte and Marie Liang Scholarship was established by AU Trustee and SPA alumna Regina Muehlhauser (BS/SPA/1970) in memory of her parents, Monte and Marie Liang. It is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership within SPA or the University, with preference given to Asian-Americans.

The Meritz and Muenz Scholarship was established through the generosity of Judy Meritz and Larry Muenz, graduates from the School of Public Affairs in 1973. Applicants will demonstrate high academic achievement and financial need. Preference will also be given to applicants who have matriculated at AU from a public or public charter school in a major U.S. metropolitan area, including but not limited to students from Washington, DC, New York, NY, Baltimore, MD, Philadelphia, PA, or Boston, MA.

The Drew Waverly Patterson Fund* was established in 2009 through the financial support of faculty, alumni, and friends of the Women & Politics Institute (WPI). The fund provides an award to directly support the cost of graduate and/or law school application fees for American University students. Eligible students must have completed an academic course(s) at American University related to women and politics.

Drew Patterson was the daughter of Women & Politics Institute graduate, Linda Mancillas and the sister of Washington College of Law graduate Jenna Patterson. Drew was an exceptional young woman who died of a brain tumor in 2003. Although Drew's illness presented many struggles and challenges, she lived her life to the fullest and was an inspiration to everyone. Drew was actively involved in her school, church youth group and her community.

The Drew Waverly Patterson Fund is established to honor Drew's determination to succeed, her desire to help others and her optimistic fortitude to find joy in life. The family and friends that established the Patterson Fund hope that the WPI students who receive these funds will be civic minded and virtuous as Drew was and work for the common good of all people.

To apply for an award, please complete the following information by October 26, 2018 and submit to spa_development@american.edu:

  • Name:
  • AUID:
  • Preferred Email Address:
  • Phone:
  • Major/Degree:
  • Projected Graduation Month and Year:
  • GPA:

Please provide a brief summary detailing the purpose of your funding request for an award from the Drew Waverly Patterson Fund. In addition, please be sure to detail any academic course(s) take at AU related to women and politics.

This award may be taxable.

Qualifications: Rising senior in the SPA Department of Government

The Amos Perlmutter Endowment in the School of Public Affairs was established in 2003 to fund the Amos Perlmutter Award. The award is given in the spring to a senior in the SPA Department of Government who has demonstrated exceptional academic performance in the field of comparative politics. This award may be taxable.

Qualifications: Undergraduate honors students in the Department of Government

The Robert A. Repetto Scholarship was established in the memory of Robert A. Repetto (BS/KSB/1969 MBA/KSB/1971) by family and friends. The scholarship will be awarded to students in the School of Public Affairs. The Robert H. Repetto Scholarship is endowed to support a full-time, undergraduate, honors student in the Department of Government in the School of Public Affairs.

The award was established in the memory of Robert A. Repetto by family and friends.

Awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled in the School of Public Affairs, who demonstrate both academic excellence. Preference is to be given to a student of the opposite gender from the previous year's recipient.

Scholarships awarded by the Fund will be applied to full costs of attending the University.

The Scholarship is renewed from year to year. Once it is awarded to a student, that student will continue to receive the Scholarship for each academic year so long as they are enrolled at the University and meet eligibility requirements.

Established by Lois (BS/KSB/1972) and George (BA/SPA/1972) Schaefer.

The Kevin Joseph Sutherland Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 to honor the memory of Kevin Sutherland by his parents, Doug and Terry Sutherland.

Kevin Joseph Sutherland, the beloved son of Douglas and Theresa Bevacqua Sutherland, was born in Trumbull, CT. He was tragically killed on July 4, 2015 at the age of 24. He was proud to be an American University Eagle and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Communications in 2013. He was highly respected by University faculty, administration and his peers as an outstanding student leader. He was elected to two terms as Secretary of Student Government. He interned for Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes both in his campaign and congressional offices and also volunteered for the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence. After graduation, Kevin worked at New Blue Interactive as a Digital Strategist and was driven to use his talents in politics and technology to affect political change and improve our world. Kevin was also passionate about photography, soccer, and music of all kinds especially country music. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees - and the Washington Nationals, unless they were playing each other. As a skilled photographer Kevin loved capturing the beauty of Washington D.C.

The scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate student enrolled in the School of Public Affairs. Preference be given to students who are members in good standing with the American University College Democrats student group and also serve in the American University student government. Students that demonstrate a commitment to public service and social justice will also receive preference in the selection process.

Qualification: This scholarship can be awarded to full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Department of Government at the School of Public Affairs at American University.

Description: The James and Claudia Thurber Scholarship Endowment was established in 2016 to honor the dynamic legacy of Professor James Thurber and Claudia Thurber. This scholarship recognizes Professor Thurber's extraordinary leadership of The Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies (CCPS) and honors a couple that has shaped so many lives. With the support of Professor Thurber's former students and colleagues, an annual scholarship will be awarded to a full-time undergraduate student with demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Department of Government at the School of Public Affairs at American University. Scholarships will be applied to the cost of attending the University.

Thomas Williams was an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Government at AU from 1999-2010. The Thomas B. Williams Scholarship carries on his legacy at the University. The Thomas B. Williams Scholarship Fund provides funding to an Undergraduate Student in SPA. This scholarship supports deserving SPA students with a well-rounded academic and extracurricular record.

The Robert and Christine Johnson Scholarship Fund will be awarded to a full-time Undergraduate student in the School of Public Affairs. The student must be in good academic standing and qualify for financial assistance.

This prize honors Professor Elizabeth A. Sherman’s many years of service to the School of Public Affairs and her passion for social justice. The purpose of the award is to support an undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program in the School of Public Affairs who through their research or activism have advanced the cause of social justice.

The Spring 2024 Sherman Prize will be awarded to two SPA undergraduate students in the amount of $750. Please note that the award is taxable and nonrenewable.

Eligible students will be considered by the award committee if they are:

  • enrolled in an SPA major and
  • in good standing with American University

Applications are closed. Questions should be forwarded to jenniferm@american.edu.

SPA Undergraduate Scholarships Info Session

This video navigates the SPA Undergraduate Scholarships page and the process for applying to donor funded scholarships.

Summer 2023 Internship Funding

The School of Public Affairs is pleased to announce competition for the SPA Undergraduate Summer Internship Award. Two awards of $2,700 each will be awarded. The application is open. The deadline is Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Noon EST.

Contact aupublicaffairs@american.edu with any questions.

Learn More

Professor Elizabeth A. Sherman Prize

The Professor Elizabeth A. Sherman Prize for the Advancement of Social Justice prize honors Professor Sherman’s many years of service to the School of Public Affairs and her passion for social justice. The purpose of the award is to support an undergraduate student enrolled in a degree program in the School of Public Affairs who through their research or activism have advanced the cause of social justice.

The Spring 2024 Sherman Prize will be awarded to two SPA undergraduate students in the amount of $750. Please note that the award is taxable and nonrenewable.

Eligible students will be considered by the award committee if they are:

  • enrolled in an SPA major and
  • in good standing with American University

Questions should be forwarded to jenniferm@american.edu.