The Center for Life Beyond Reed

Nationally Competitive Opportunities

Nationally, and sometimes internationally, competitive fellowships and awards can help you realize your goals. Do you want to spend a year traveling the world? Study overseas? Study a foreign language? Conduct research in another country? These are all possibilities through national fellowships and awards programs.

Some fellowships require the applicant to have the support and endorsement of their undergraduate institution in order to apply. Each program description will indicate whether the program is open for direct application or whether the application process is managed by the Fellowships and Awards committee. The Reed College Faculty Committee on Fellowships and Awards coordinates student applications for those awards that require college nomination, endorsement, or review. In most instances, the committee requires that the student first complete an internal, less formal application. Students who are interested in learning more about these fellowships should explore this website, watch for announcements, talk to the committee liaison for the award that interests them, and make an appointment with an advisor in CLBR.

AIF Banyan Impact Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The American India Foundation’s (AIF’s) Banyan Impact Fellowship is an interdisciplinary experiential learning program that places young professionals from India and the U.S. in service with development organizations in India. Through collaboration and capacity-building, Fellows and local communities exchange knowledge and skills to steer projects that advance social and economic development. Fellows learn about grassroots development and inclusive leadership. 
Alexander Von Humboldt Foundation - German Chancellor Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Program is targeted at university graduates from the United States, South Africa, the People’s Republic of China, Brazil and India who have an international outlook and initial leadership experience and supports those young leaders spending a year in Germany working on a project of their choice.
American Institute for Economic Research Summer Internships
Apply through Independent Application Process
Founded in 1933, the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER) is one of the oldest and most respected nonpartisan economic research and advocacy organizations in the country. As a paid intern at AIER, you will work closely with staff on projects relating to your interests. During your 10-12 week internship, your skills can be applied to scholarly research, program/event planning, marketing, graphic design, communications, editorial writing, and development/fundraising.
Beinecke Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
Beinecke Scholars receive a total of $35,000 in support of full-time graduate study in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students who are Federal Pell Grant recipients to pursue academic studies (study abroad) or credit-bearing, career-oriented internships abroad.
Boren Undergraduate Scholarship and Graduate Fellowship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Boren Scholarship program awards scholarships to American undergraduates for study of world languages and regions critical to U.S. foreign policy interests, including Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American & the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, an international policy think tank based in Washington D.C., is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Approximately 15 fellows work as employees each year on a full-time basis for 10–12 months. Fellows provide research assistance to scholars working within Carnegie’s programs and have the opportunity to conduct research, contribute to op-eds, papers, reports, and books, edit documents, participate in meetings with high-level officials, contribute to congressional testimony and organize briefings attended by scholars, activists, journalists and government officials.
Churchill Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Churchill scholarship awards sixteen scholarships per year for one year of graduate study in in science, mathematics, and engineering leading to a either an MPhil (Master of Philosophy) or MASt (Master of Advanced Study) at Churchill College at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, England.
Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) for young professionals is a fully-funded fellowship opportunity that gives students and recent graduates the opportunity to study and work in Germany.
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute: Public Policy Fellowships
Apply through Independent Application Process
Recent college graduates can take advantage of this paid fellowship, which opens doors for talented young Latinos who are pursuing a career in public policy. You will spend nine months working in Washington, D.C., with significant exposure to leaders in congressional offices, federal agencies, national nonprofit advocacy organizations, government-related institutes, and more.
Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs develops the next generation of aspiring change makers.
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students.
Cultural Vistas Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Cultural Vistas Fellowship aims to provide American students from groups historically underrepresented in international programs with the unique opportunity to advance their career goals, develop global competencies, and experience life in another culture and country.
DAAD - German Academic Exchange Service
Apply through Independent Application Process
DAAD offers an array of programs for study, research, and experiential opportunities in Germany.
Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Payne Fellowship awards up to thirty fellowships valued at up to $52,000 annually over two years for graduate school, internships, and professional development activities. The Program seeks to attract outstanding young people who are interested in pursuing careers in the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).  Fellows who successfully complete the Payne Program and USAID Foreign Service entry requirements will receive appointments as Foreign Service Officers with the U.S. Agency for International Development.  
Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity sponsors an annual essay contest for full-time undergraduate juniors and seniors. Students are prompted to write essays that raise questions, single out issues and are rational arguments for ethical action.
English Teaching Overseas
Apply through Independent Application Process
Several programs offer opportunities to teach English overseas, including: JET (Japan), TAPIF (France), and NALCAP (Spain).
Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Hollings Scholarship Program provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to $9,500 per year) for two years of full-time study and a 10-week, full-time paid ($700/week) internship at a NOAA facility during the summer. The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the scholars with hands-on, practical experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation and the annual Science & Education Symposium, scientific conferences where students present their research, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program seeks to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
Fulbright UK Summer Institutes
Apply through Independent Application Process
The US-UK Fulbright Commission offers special Summer Institutes for US citizens to study in the UK.
Garden Club of America
Apply through Independent Application Process
Since 1928 The Garden Club of America has funded more than 1,300 scholars. The GCA offers 27 merit-based scholarships in 12 areas supporting a variety of academic endeavors ranging from summer environmental study and field work, to graduate level research.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Apply through Independent Application Process
Gates Cambridge Scholarships cover the full cost of studying in a post graduate degree program at the University of Cambridge.
Goldwater Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Barry Goldwater Scholarship Program was created to provide a continuing source of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers by awarding scholarships to college students who intend to pursue research careers in these fields.
Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Herbert Scoville Jr. Peace Fellowship Program invites recent college and graduate school alumni to apply for full-time, six-to-nine month fellowships in Washington, DC. Outstanding individuals will be selected to work with nonprofit, public-interest organizations addressing peace and security issues. Applications are especially encouraged from candidates with a strong interest in these issues who have prior experience with public-interest activism or advocacy. Fellows receive a monthly salary, and a professional development stipend.
Hertz Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Hertz Fellowship is awarded annually to the nation’s most promising graduate students in science and technology. Their goal is to identify innovators with the greatest potential to create transformative solutions to the world's most urgent challenges.
Hostelling International Explore the World Travel Scholarships
Apply through Independent Application Process
At HI USA, we believe that travel changes you so you can change the world. That's why we created the Explore the World Travel Scholarship: we want to help young Americans, regardless of financial need, travel experience, or location, to connect with other countries and cultures. Explore the World Travel Scholarship provide $2,000 to help finance international trips that have an educational or service component.
Humanity in Action Fellowships
Apply through Independent Application Process
Humanity in Action conducts three-week summer educational programs that run simultaneously in major cities in Europe and the United States.
James Madison Graduate Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers $24,000 James Madison Graduate Fellowships to individuals desiring to become outstanding teachers of the American Constitution at the secondary school level. Fellowship applicants compete only against other applicants from the states of their legal residence.
Knight-Hennessy Scholarship, Stanford University
Apply through Independent Application Process
Enrolling its first class in 2018, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program annually identifies a group of 100 high-achieving students from around the world with demonstrated leadership and civic commitment to receive full funding to pursue a wide-ranging graduate education at Stanford, with the goal of developing a new generation of global leaders.
Marshall Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom with a goal of strengthening the relationship between the people of the US and the UK.
National Institute of Standards in Technology Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
Spend your summer working elbow to elbow with researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), one of the world's leading research organizations and home to three Nobel Prize winners. Gain valuable hands-on experience in this SURF program, work with cutting-edge technology, meet peers from across the nation, and sample the Gaithersburg, MD or Boulder, CO area.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program stipend is currently $37,000 for a 12-month tenure, for up to three years of financial support.
National Science Foundation - Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUs)
Apply through Independent Application Process
The National Science Foundation funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. An REU Site consists of a group of ten or so undergraduates who work in the research programs of the host institution. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers.
NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The National Institutes of Health Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program is an accelerated, individualized doctoral training program for outstanding science students committed to biomedical research careers.
NYC Urban Fellows Program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Urban Fellows Program is a highly selective, nine-month fellowship which combines work in Mayoral offices and City agencies with volunteer service opportunities and a seminar series that explores current urban issues impacting public policy
Oregon Sea Grant Undergraduate Opportunities
Apply through Independent Application Process
Established at Oregon State University in 1971, Oregon Sea Grant is one of 34 programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant College Program. Oregon Sea Grant's vision is one of thriving coastal communities and ecosystems in Oregon. They achieve this vision by serving as a catalyst that promotes discovery, understanding and resilience for Oregon coastal communities and ecosystems. They offer multiple programs, mostly over summer, which are available to undergraduate students.
Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
Apply through Independent Application Process
This fellowship supports 30 individuals for up to two years of graduate study in any subject at any accredited university in the United States.
Projects for Peace
Apply through Independent Application Process
Projects for Peace is a global program that encourages young adults to develop innovative, community-centered, and scalable responses to the world’s most pressing issues. Along the way, these student leaders increase their knowledge, improve skills, and establish identities as peacebuilders and changemakers. Projects for Peace awards $10,000 in grant funding for an original project designed to be implemented over the summer. Reed College has been a partner with Projects for Peace since 2008 and has awarded grants nearly every year. Projects for Peace is a global program housed in the Middlebury College Center for Community Engagement and was previously known as the Davis Projects for Peace.
Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The goal of the PIAA Fellowship is to help students achieve MA degrees in public policy, public administration, international affairs or related fiels, leading to a career in public service.
Quad Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Quad Fellowship is designed to build ties among the next generation of scientists and technologists. It is also the first multinational scholarship and educational fellowship program specifically supporting students in STEM. The fellowship sponsors exceptional master's and doctoral students to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Quad Fellows receive a one-time stipend of $40,000 to be used for academic expenses and will have the opportunity to network and engage in programming with accomplished minds in STEM, government, and society. Citizens or legal permanent residents of one of the Quad countries — Australia, India, Japan, or the United States — or any of the 10 ASEAN countries — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, or Vietnam — are eligible.
Rangel Graduate Fellowship Program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Rangel Program's goals are to promote greater diversity and excellence in the U.S. Foreign Service. The program encourages the application of members of minority groups historically under-represented in the Department of State. The fellowship provides support for up to two years of study towards a degree in an area of relevance to the work of the Foreign Service.
Rhodes Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Rhodes Scholarship is a highly prestigious award which supports graduate study at the University of Oxford for two years.
Rotary Global Grant Scholarships
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Rotary Global Grant Scholarships support international study at the graduate level for a period of one to four years at a minimum of $30,000 in total. Global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus.
Rotary Peace Fellowships
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Rotary Peace Fellowships support MA degrees at partner universities in fields related to peace and conflict prevention and resolution.
Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $30,000 stipend for a graduating college senior to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world.
Samvid Scholars
Apply through Independent Application Process
A scholarship for future leaders and changemakers, Samvid Scholars was established in 2021 by Samvid Ventures to invest in the graduate education of future leaders who are committed to effecting positive change in society. An eligible candidate will pursue a full-time graduate program of two years or longer at a university in the United States, in one of the following eligible programs: MD, MBA, JD, MPP/MPA, MPH, MS/MA in the social sciences or STEM. Scholars receive up to $50K for tuition and fees each year for two years of study in a graduate program, as well as two years of leadership development programming.
Schwarzman Scholars
Apply through Independent Application Process
Schwarzman Scholars is a fully-funded, one-year master’s degree and leadership program at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. At the heart of the program are world-renowned advisers, a rigorous and innovative study of global affairs, and hands-on exploration of Chinese culture and commerce.
Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP)
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Short-Term Research Experience for Underrepresented Persons (STEP-UP) Program provides hands-on summer research experience for underrepresented high school and undergraduate students interested in exploring research careers. Students receive summer stipends to support research at a location chosen by them with the help of a STEP-UP coordinator. If selected, students are encouraged, but not required, to pursue research in diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic diseases; digestive diseases and nutrition; or kidney, urologic and hematologic diseases.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution (STRI) in Panama, is a bureau of the Smithsonian Institution, dedicated to understanding biological diversity, and offers a range of research opportunities for students.
Sperling Studentship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
John Sperling '48, founder of the University of Phoenix and an alumnus of both Reed College and the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, committed funds to support Reed graduates in the pursuit of post graduate studies at the University of Cambridge, King's College.
STEM Research
Apply through Independent Application Process
Search tool for science research opportunities
Summer Health Professions Education Program
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Summer Health Professions Education Program (SHPEP) is a free six-week summer enrichment program focused on improving access to information and resources for college students interested in the health professions. SHPEP’s goal is to strengthen the academic proficiency and career development of students underrepresented in the health professions and prepare them for a successful application and matriculation to health professions schools. These students include, but are not limited to, individuals who identify as African American/Black, American Indian and Alaska Native and Hispanic/Latino, and who are from communities of socioeconomic and educational disadvantage. SHPEP, formerly known as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP), expanded in 2016 to include a broader array of health professions.
The Daniel Healthcare Career Fund
Apply through Independent Application Process
Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Howard University, that attracts and prepares outstanding young people for Foreign Service careers in the U.S. Department of State. It welcomes the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the State Department, women, and those with financial need. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in our diplomatic efforts, the program values varied backgrounds, including ethnic, racial, social, and geographic diversity.
Truman Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Harry S. Truman Scholarship provides awards of up to $30,000 to approximately 60 students each year to support graduate degrees leading to careers in government or the nonprofit and advocacy sectors.
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation awards approximately 55 scholarships each year to undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers related to the environment and conservation as well as to Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in health care and tribal policy. Udall Scholars receive access to the Udall Alumni Network, participate in an in-person summer Scholar Orientation, and receive up to $7,000 for eligible academic expenses.
Voyager Scholarship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Voyager Scholarship (also known as the Obama Chesky Scholarship for Public Service) gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of undergraduate college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. Applicants should have a passion for helping others, experience serving in or building community, and an expansive view of what’s possible through public service. The scholarship provides financial aid for the junior and senior year, a grant to pay for a summer voyage between the junior and senior year, and ten-year annual travel stipend from Airbnb. Awardees are invited to a fall summit each year, and gain access to a network of leaders via the Obama Foundation.
Watson Fellowship
Apply through Reed Fellowships and Awards Committee
The Thomas J. Wat­son Fel­low­ship is a one-year grant for pur­pose­ful, inde­pen­dent explo­ration out­side the Unit­ed States, award­ed to grad­u­at­ing seniors nom­i­nat­ed by one of 41 part­ner insti­tu­tions.
Work First Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Work First Fellowship connects young professionals with the opportunity to have a direct impact on urban poverty. Fellows work one-on-one with individuals living below the poverty level to help them find employment and get back on their feet. Fellows focus on building and improving adult education programs, with special focus on high-school equivalency, numeracy and literacy, and building career pathways.
WW Teaching Fellowship
Apply through Independent Application Process
The Woodrow Wilson Teaching Fellowship program prepares recent graduates and career changers with STEM backgrounds to teach in middle and high school science and math classrooms.