Samuel Huntington Public Service Award
Scholarship Sponsored by Samuel Huntington Fund
Overview
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award supports graduating college seniors who wish to spend one year engaged in meaningful public service before pursuing graduate study or beginning a career. The program funds a full year of service anywhere in the world, enabling recipients to focus on impact and professional development. Proposals may be domestic or international and should advance the public good.
Description: The Award funds one-year, full-time public service projects proposed by the student; projects may be carried out independently or through established organizations.
- Supports a one-year public service experience for graduating seniors
- Open to projects in the U.S. and abroad
- Designed to enable a gap-year commitment to public service
- Projects can be individual or organization‑based
Eligibility
All graduating students from accredited U.S. colleges are invited to apply. Applicants should be completing an undergraduate degree by the time the award begins and must follow the application instructions provided by the program. The award is intended for students who demonstrate a commitment to public service across disciplines and backgrounds.
Eligibility: Graduating students from accredited U.S. colleges are eligible to apply.
- Open to graduating students from accredited U.S. institutions
- Inclusive of all academic disciplines
- Applicants must be able to commit to a one-year public service project
- Application deadline is in February each year
Selection Criteria
Awards are granted based on the quality and feasibility of the proposed project, the applicant’s academic record, and other personal achievements that indicate readiness for public service. The selection committee assesses proposals for potential impact, clarity of plan, and alignment with the Award’s mission. Finalists are interviewed in person prior to the final selection to assess fit and readiness.
Selection Criteria: Key evaluation factors include proposal quality, academic performance, demonstrated achievements, and interview performance for finalists.
- Evaluation emphasizes project quality and potential impact
- Academic record and personal achievements are considered
- Finalist interviews are part of the decision process
- Committee assesses feasibility and alignment with public service goals
Award Details
The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides a $30,000 stipend to support a one-year public service project. Funds are disbursed in two installments: $15,000 at project start and $15,000 upon receipt of a six-month progress report. Recipients are expected to use the funds to support project costs and to provide required progress documentation.
Award Value: Total stipend of $30,000, paid in two installments contingent on project commencement and a six-month progress report.
- Total award amount: $30,000
- Two payments: $15,000 at start, $15,000 after six months
- Funds intended to support project-related expenses for one year
- Progress reporting required to trigger the second installment
Proposal Guidelines
Applicants are encouraged to propose original public service projects that further the public good. Proposals may be implemented in the U.S. or abroad and can be executed by the student alone or in partnership with charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or other organizations. The committee prioritizes the safety of recipients and beneficiaries and may allow adjustments to timing, travel, or costs to mitigate safety risks.
Description: Proposals should outline objectives, activities, a timeline, a detailed budget, and the anticipated public benefit.
- Proposals may address a wide range of public service activities
- Can be independent projects or partnerships with organizations
- Include clear goals, timeline, and budget
- Committee may permit flexibility to address safety concerns
Application Process
Applicants submit materials through the program’s online portal. Required materials include a project description, a detailed budget, letters of recommendation, a college transcript, and a resume. Complete applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the stated deadline; for the upcoming cycle, the deadline is February 2027 and awards will be announced by April.
Application Timeline: Application deadline: February 2027. Final selections and award notifications occur by April, with finalist interviews conducted beforehand.
- Apply via the online portal and upload all required documents
- Required materials: proposal, budget, recommendations, transcript, resume
- Deadline for submission: February 2027
- Awards announced by April; finalists interviewed prior to final decisions