Wednesday, November 08, 2017

Resources for progressive students

Several organizations offer scholarships and internships for students interested in progressive issues. This is hardly a comprehensive list, but maybe it will encourage you or your student to broaden her/his search for education assistance.

One day we hope to set up a local scholarship for progressive students (JT's idea) but until that happens, check these resources:

The Wisconsin Labor History Society Essay Contest for the 2017-2018 School Year for Wisconsin high school students (Grades 9-12). Win cash prizes up to $500. Write an essay of about 750 words on the topic: “Unions have been important to my family and my community because . . .” Deadline February 15, 2018. See link for details

For college and university students, the Wisconsin Labor History Society conducts an annual competition to determine the winners of the Zeidler Academic Awards for the best original research papers about Wisconsin labor and working-class history. See more details at link. Deadline for submission is January 8, 2018.

Future Leaders WI Scholarship Foundation offers the MJ and Myrtle Scholarships for Wisconsin students age 16 and older who will use the money to train in areas of
education, health/wellness in underserved communities, positive community building, or prevention/safety programs. The deadline for 2018 is November 15. 

A full tuition Science Ambassador Scholarship, funded by Cards Against Humanity, will be awarded to a woman in a STEM undergraduate program. The application includes a mini-lecture on a STEM area you're passionate about and is due by December 11.

The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund aids people active in movements for social and economic justice. These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who are able to do academic work at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical
program and who are active in the progressive movement. Maximum available grant is  $10,000 per year. Applications are available in January with April deadline.
 
AFS is a non profit intercultural learning association and they offer the AFS Project Change scholarship: Tell us your idea for a volunteer project that could have a meaningful impact abroad. Get votes from your family and friends on your idea, and you could win a full scholarship to go abroad for 10-15 days and make your vision come to life!. All U.S. 8th to 12th grade students are eligible to enter. The deadline is mid-January.
 
The Barron Prize for Young Heroes awards students ages 8 to 18 who are working on "inspiring service projects." The 2018 application cycle opens in early January.
 
Point Foundation is "looking for the next LGBTQ leaders" and offers scholarships for those with need who are out and involved in their communities. The college (and community college) scholarships also include mentorships. The application deadline is in January.

Global Navigator Scholarships are for high school and college students seeking opportunities to study abroad. There are a variety of scholarships for different communities. Application due dates for spring study have been extended and for summer/fall study are in April. (Apply by December 1 for a chance to win free flight). 
 
The 2018 Law & Justice Scholarship is offered by the Wisconsin law offices of Hammett, Bellin & Oswald, LLC for a first year freshman who will be attending an accredited College or University during the 2018-2019 school year (current high school seniors are eligible to apply). Special consideration will be given to a student who is interested in pursuing a career in law and meets the requirements. The application includes an essay describing
what 'Justice in our Society" means to you and how you have or will work to provide peace and justice for all members of our society. Application deadline is May 31.

Axa Achievement Scholarships offer awards of $2,500, $10,000 and $25,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their activities in school, the community or the workplace. The 2018 program will accept applications from September 5, 2017 until 10,000 applications are submitted or December 15, 2017. See site for application, more details.
 
GSAFE is an organization dedicated to creating just schools for LGBTQ+ Youth. Their scholarship is award to a Wisconsin high school senior who is n LGBTQ student or ally who is working to improve the community, help form a GSA or educational justice or similar club, promotes racial, trans, gender, and/or educational justice, and/or actively participate in comunity efforts involviing LGBTQ+ issues. (See the full list at website). Watch for the application info early in 2018.
 
The Jackie Robinson Scholarship is for college-bound students of color with leadership potential and need. Deadline is February 1.

Zonta International is a service and advocacy organization empowering women and girls. They offer scholarships and fellowships. Alas, there's no Zonta in La Crosse, but you join and apply online. Check the site for details.

The Davidson Fellows Scholarship awards $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships to extraordinary young people, 18 and under, who have completed a significant piece of work.
Application categories are Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy and Outside the Box. The application deadline is February 14.

The Aaron Swartz Progressive Change Scholarship, named for the digital rights activist who was hounded into committing suicide in 2013, is for a current law school student. Deadline is January 6.

Tzu Chi USA Scholars is a scholarship program funded by Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation to recognize and provide financial assistance to outstanding college-bound high school graduates and continuing undergraduate students in selected areas of the United States. Tzu Chi USA Scholars are selected on the basis of their financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement. Deadline is March 2.


The Earth Island Institute established the Brower Youth Awards for Environmental Leadership to honor activist David Brower. The current cycle is closed but watch their site for 2018 awards (deadline May 2018).
 

National Farmers Union offers scholarship with deadlines in spring. Visit their site for more details.

The Mario Savio Young Activist Award is given annually to a young person with a deep commitment to human rights and social justice and a proven ability to transform this commitment into effective action. The 2018 deadline is in July.


The Minnesota-based Bush Foundation offers assistance to Minnesota, North & South Dakota and area tribal members through event scholarships and fellowships. Programs and deadlines vary so check their site (by the way, they also offer Community Innovation Grants).
 
Progressive Change Campaign Committee offers paid fellowships.  
 
The Nation Institute offers paid internships in journalism and investigative journalism. Deadline for Summer/Fall internships is April 1. They also offer the Ida B. Wells Fellowship (check in January for 2018 application information).

Mother Jones magazine's Ben Bagdikian Fellowship Program offers a crash course in investigative journalism. Most are paid six-month internships. Deadline for the next cycle (starting in June 2018) is April 1.

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