Samvid Scholarship

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Please refer to the Nationally Competitive Scholarships homepage for the most up-to-date information. For all scholarships, contact Mychal Machado at mmachado2@alaska.edu if you have questions, to make an appointment, or to request information.

Important Dates

Visit  for further details.

Online application availability: February

Application Deadlines:
Campus deadline: Late March; applicants can apply directly
National deadline: Early April

Notification of winning candidates: May

Scholarship Overview

Are you a leader or a change-maker committed to making positive change in society?

The Samvid Scholarship is a new scholarship created by Samvid Ventures to invest in the graduate education of future leaders in STEM fields and the social sciences. In addition to funding for graduate school, Samvid Scholars also receive two years of leadership development programming and additional support after graduation. The scholarship seeks students committed to academic excellence, taking action in response to big issues, and pursuing careers in leadership and service.

 

Information for Applicants

  • Eligibility

    Applicants must be:

    • College seniors or graduates pursuing a full-time graduate program of two or more years at a US university, in one of the following eligible programs: MD, MBA, JD, MPP/MPA, MPH, EdD, or an MS/MA in the social sciences or STEM fields
    • A first year graduate student beginning in the fall of the year in which you are applying for the scholarship
    • US citizens or DACA recipients
    • Have an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or higher
    • Maintain good academic standing so as to remain eligible for the second year of the award

     

    Who cannot apply:

    • International students
    • Students not applying to an eligible graduate program

     

    For more information about eligibility requirements, visit .

  • Additional Requirements

    Seek advising early in the application process. Schedule an advising appointment with the Samvid Scholarship Advisor, TBD to discuss intent to apply. 

    Interview requirements:
    Campus interview: No
    National interview: Yes

  • Award Benefits
    • Up to $50,000 per year for two years, to be used for tuition and fees
    • Two years of leadership development programming, including an annual retreat that allows scholars to connect and participate in panels and workshops; small group sessions; a service project that will allow scholars to work with one another and local leaders in interdisciplinary teams to address a real, complex social problem; and virtual events
    • Ongoing opportunities for networking and mentorship through the alumni community, including in-person events 

     

    Award cannot be deferred or renewed.

  • Candidate Profile
    • Excellent academic record
    • Outstanding track record of leadership in projects that have produced results
    • Openness to diverse perspectives and approaches in your leadership
    • Committed to driving change for society with a focus on service towards others
    • Demonstrated ability to take action to address big questions and problems as well as think about them critically
    • Demonstrated skill in leading long term and continuing to push for change despite barriers and setbacks
  • Application Procedure
    1. Find a faculty member who is willing to mentor you throughout the application process.
    2. Notify the Samvid Scholarship Advisor, TBD of your intent to apply the semester before you plan to apply for the award.
    3. Register at  and begin completing the application. 
    4. Prepare your resume/CV, transcripts from all degree-seeking institutions you have attended, and scores for any standardized tests you were required to take as part of your application to your chosen graduate program. If none of the universities you applied to required the submission of standardized test scores, the test score requirement will be waived.
    5. Start drafting your three required short essays. You will be required to describe your experience as a leader; explain your reasons for pursuing graduate study and how you expect it to contribute to your career; and describe how you have demonstrated your commitment to creating a positive impact in society, and how you plan to continue this commitment in the future. There is an optional fourth essay prompt in which you can describe the unique perspective you expect to bring to your Samvid Scholar cohort. Refer to your application for detailed essay prompts and word limits.
    6. Two letters of recommendation are required. Choose recommenders who can comment in great detail on your academic excellence, leadership experience and capability, personal characteristics, persistence in the face of challenges, and your commitment to service and addressing big social issues. Examples of recommenders include faculty, mentors, supervisors, etc. 
    7. The Samvid Scholars Selection Committee will review submitted applications and select candidates to be invited to interview. Interviews take place shortly after the application deadline, in April or early May. Interviews are currently virtual. 

     

    There are 20 scholarships available.