Click here for a listing of additional academic competitions available to UC Merced undergraduate students.
Strauss Scholarship
https://www.straussfoundation.org/
About
The Donald A. Strauss Scholarship provides a $15,000 award, consisting of a $7,000 scholarship and an $8,000 project grant. Applicants must be sophomores and juniors who will use the grant to pursue a self-initiated public service project during the year after winning the award. The project may be a new undertaking or an extension of an existing project. The Strauss Foundation annually awards the scholarship to students from twenty-two eligible California institutions, including UC Merced.
Events & Deadlines
Wednesday, October 15th 2025, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm: Strauss Foundation Scholarship Webinar.
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Last year's scholarship webinar recording may be accessed here.
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Last year's slides from the webinar can be access here.
Monday, February 9th, 2026: Complete Applications Due
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Submit application materials directly online via the Donald A. Strauss Foundation's website here.
Thursday, April 16th, 2026: Annual Meeting (Required for 2025-2026 Scholars)
Additional information on important dates can be found here: https://www.straussfoundation.org/important-dates-school-contacts.
Eligibility
- full-time sophomore or junior
- have a GPA in the upper third of class
- have outstanding leadership potential
- have a passion for social change, public service or social entrepreneurship
Application
Strauss Deadline: Monday, February 9th, 2026
- Application Summary
- Resume
- One page that includes current and past public service
- Personal Essay
- One page that explains why your project is meaningful to you, relevant accomplishments, and background
- Project Proposal
- Four pages, including budget and timeline
- Transcripts from all colleges attended; copies are acceptable
- Acceptance Agreement (signed)
- Letters of Recommendation (two) and Letter of Support
- Letter of Support is required only if working with a partner organization
Resources
- Strauss Foundation Website: https://www.straussfoundation.org/
- Strauss Resources for Applicants: https://www.straussfoundation.org/resources-for-applicants
- Resume Support from the UCM Student Career Center: https://hire.ucmerced.edu/
- Personal Essay/Proposal Writing Support from the University Writing Center: https://writingcenter.ucmerced.edu/
More information and support can also be found from our wonderful Community Engagement Center here.
General questions/inquiries can be emailed to Sunni Nelson, Honors Program Coordinator: snelson4@ucmerced.edu.
