Next campus deadline: February 2025
Campus Application Instructions (coming Fall 2024)
Application Summary Sheet (coming Fall 2024)
Acceptance Agreement (coming Fall 2024)
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 Berkeley.
Prospective applicants must make an individual advising appointment with Alicia Hayes, the Strauss Scholarship campus representative.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- be a full-time sophomore or junior
- have a GPA in the upper third of class
- have outstanding leadership potential
- have a passion for public service and making a difference
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
The public service project proposal is a major focus of the selection process. The project must be realistic in scope, and the foundation prefers projects that are designed to continue after initial implementation. Selectors look for candidates who are passionate about their project and who have a demonstrated interest in public service, outstanding leadership potential, effective communication skills, and who “wish to make a difference” in local, regional, or national communities.
Application Requirements
- Application summary
- Resume (one page) that includes current and past public service
- Personal Essay (one page)
- Project Proposal (4 pages, including budget and timeline)
- Two or three letters of recommendation
- Acceptance Agreement
- Transcript (unofficial or photocopy are acceptable)
For more information about this opportunity, visit the Strauss Foundation Website (opens external site).