2008 Travers Scholarships In Ethics And Politics
The Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science invites applications for the annual Travers Scholarships in Ethics and Politics. These merit-based awards are intended to give recognition and encouragement to outstanding undergraduate students who plan to serve their country or community in an elected or non-elected government capacity sometime in the future. By integrating the study of ethics and political science, the Department of Political Science hopes to train future leaders who will be sensitive to the ethical dilemmas implicit in a public career. In keeping with a desire to integrate education in practical as well as theoretical matters, the scholarship stipend is divided between giving support during the academic year and giving support during a summer internship. Two annual scholarships will be awarded, one to a male and one to a female student.
Terms Of The Award:
Students who receive a Travers Scholarship must have already taken, or
commit to completing one of two courses: PS 108A, Ethics, Politics and
Leadership or 124C, Ethics and Justice in International Affairs. Check
with the department for availability or future offerings of these two
courses. Students must also commit to pursuing a summer internship in
politics or public policy by the summer before their senior year to complement
their studies. Following the internship awardees are expected to write
a 3 page essay reviewing their summer internship experience.
Eligibility:
Declared Political Science majors at UC Berkeley who will, at the time
they accept the award, have at least one full academic year left at UC-Berkeley
are eligible to apply. Students must be declared at the time of application.
The scholarships are merit-based, and not need-based, so there is no need
to demonstrate financial need. All interested Political Science majors
in good academic standing are encouraged to apply for these scholarships
which are two of the more generous awards on campus.
Stipend:
$12,000 for twelve months, of which $3,000 will be paid during the summer
months to support the student undertaking his or her summer internship.
Students on financial aid should note that the stipend may have a significant
effect on their financial aid package.
Selection Process:
The Travers scholars will be chosen by a faculty committee of the Department of Political Science. Three types of information will inform the selection process:
- evidence of outstanding academic performance;
- an essay (of no more than 800 words) that discusses the applicant's interest in and plans for public service or political life; and,
- for those chosen as finalists, an interview with the selection committee. Finalists studying abroad or in Washington, D.C. will be interviewed by telephone.
Application & Deadlines:
The fellowship competition is announced via the Undergraduate Student Listserv in late Fall. Applications are due early in the Spring semester. The application deadline is posted above. Awardees are notified mid-Spring semester.
The application includes an essay (see above "Selection Process"
for details) and a full set of academic transcripts (for UCB and any other
colleges attended. Unofficial transcripts are accepted). Send application
materials to Prof. Christopher Ansell, Political Science Department, 210
Barrows Hall. The application deadline of February 29, 2008 is firm. Late
applications will not be accepted. Finalists will be notified and interviews
scheduled shortly thereafter. Awards are announced in mid spring semester.
Questions? Contact Prof. Christopher Ansell, cansell@berkeley.edu.