Academic Competitions

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

Tuesday, October 29th 2024, 4:00 pm-5:00 pm: Strauss Foundation Scholarship Webinar.

• The scholarship webinar recording may be accessed here. 

• The slides from the webinar can be access here. 

Monday, January 27th, 2025: Complete Applications Due

• Submit application materials directly online via the Donald A. Strauss Foundation's website here.

Friday & Saturday, April 4th & 5th, 2025: Annual Meeting (Required for 2024-2025 Scholars)

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, January 27th, 2025

1. Application Summary
2. Resume
   • One page that includes current and past public service 
3. Personal Essay
   • One page that explains why your project is meaningful to you, relevant accomplishments, and background
4. Project Proposal
   • Four pages, including budget and timeline
5. Transcripts from all colleges attended; copies are acceptable
6. Acceptance Agreement (signed)
7. 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.