Opportunities for Juniors and Sophomores

Goldwater Scholarships are made on the basis of merit to sophomores or juniors who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering. Students who plan to study medicine are eligible for a Goldwater Scholarship only if they plan a research career rather than a career as a medical doctor in private practice. the application includes a research essay. The scholarship pays a yearly stipend to help students complete their undergraduate education. Macalester can nominate up to four applicants. Campus application deadline: December 1, 2026.

The Morris K. Udall Scholarship Program identifies future leaders in Tribal public policy or health care fields (for which the applicant must provide documentation of enrolled membership in one or more Federally Recognized Indian Tribes), and in environmental fields. Macalester may nominate three students who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in each of these two categories. The scholarship pays a yearly stipend to help students complete their undergraduate education. Campus application deadline: February 10, 2027.

The Beinecke Memorial Scholarship Program seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to attend graduate school in the humanities, arts, or social sciences. Students must demonstrate “superior standards of intellectual ability, scholastic achievement and personal promise,” and have a sterling record that will indicate probable acceptance into the graduate program that they list on the application (thus an applicant with a GPA under 3.8 is less likely to be considered). This award provides funds that are added to any program-based support to ensure that students from all backgrounds can pursue PhDs, MFAs, MMs, and DMAs, and thus applicants must have demonstrated financial need. Students apply during their junior year. Macalester may nominate one student. Campus application deadline: March 1, 2027.

Harry S. Truman Scholarships are merit-based awards which fund graduate school for students preparing for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. Students must have a demonstrated commitment to public service, must be planning a career in public service, and must have outstanding leadership potential. Students apply during their junior year. Macalester may nominate up to four students and will conduct an internal selection process that includes an evaluation of the application, an interview, and a review of student conduct.  The 2026 Truman Intent is due: October 10, 2026. Campus application deadline: November 10, 2026.

Humanity in Action Fellowships bring together international groups of university students and recent graduates to explore national histories of discrimination and resistance, as well as examples of issues affecting different minority groups today. For five weeks, the five HIA European countries selected serve as case studies that Fellows can later use as they engage with other human rights issues. Fellowships cover costs of participation and accommodation for the summer program. Transportation to Europe is not covered. No nomination is required. There is typically an early January deadline for the following summer’s programs.

The Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service is a two-year leadership development and scholarship program. Through a transformational combination of barrier-reducing financial aid, an immersive work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, the Voyager Scholarship is designed to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation of leaders and equip them with the tools and resources they need to launch their careers in public service.

The program identifies students in their second year of undergraduate studies who will be starting their third year in the Fall. Over the course of two years, programming will facilitate opportunities for students to refine their values-based leadership approach, build bridges across communities, and nurture their sense of curiosity as they deepen their commitment to pursuing public service careers. No nomination is required and the application is typically due in mid-March.