External Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards

The awards listed on this guide are highly competitive, and students should start preparing well in advance of the application due date.  Students are encouraged to review listings and contact the Research & External Scholarships Advisor (gkaletsk@stetson.edu) as early as possible to identify programs that fit their academic and professional goals.

Many scholarships look for applicants who demonstrate leadership or passion in addition to academic success. Here are some examples of opportunities that may help you stand out as an applicant:

• Start your search for scholarships as early as possible. Talk with your advisor and the Research & External Scholarships Advisor about what you can do to be competitive for the scholarships that interest you.
• Get involved with campus/community organizations
• Seek out leadership positions
• Apply for campus awards, such as:
  • Library Research Prize 
  • SURE Program
  • Full list of campus awards
• Participate in opportunities such as:
  • Stetson Showcase
  • Study Abroad
  • Internships
• Apply for other awards, such as essay contests and smaller scholarships, that may function as building blocks for more prestigious awards.
• Build relationships with faculty and staff mentors. Most scholarships require letters of recommendation.
• Seek out volunteer or employment opportunities that are relevant to your goals or passions.
• Use your summers productively. Find a job or internship, volunteer, conduct research, take classes, travel, or study abroad to boost your resume.

Once you've identified a scholarship you'd like to apply for, be sure to:

• Check in with the Research & External Scholarships Advisor.
• Make yourself aware of all relevant deadlines and put them on your calendar.
• Read and learn as much as you can about the scholarship and its application requirements. You never know what valuable information will fall through the cracks if you don't.
• Don't procrastinate on preparing your application. Give yourself plenty of time to revise your work before submitting it.
• When asking for recommendation letters, give your recommenders plenty of time to write them before the deadline- at least a few weeks.
• Ask for feedback on the written components of your application, if it is allowed. For example, show it to your advisors, professors, and visit the Writing Center. Note that some scholarship and fellowship programs prohibit this.
• Visit the Office of Career & Professional Development for help with your resume.
• Strive for a pristine application. Reread your application multiple times to avoid spelling, grammar, or formatting errors.
• Persevere. Elite scholarships are highly competitive and many qualified candidates will be turned down. If you are not selected, apply again next year or apply for a different scholarship.
• Focus on the process. Even if you are not awarded a scholarship, the process of submitting an application can be a valuable opportunity to reflect on your experiences and to refine and articulate your goals.