The Department of Political Science offers three scholarships to continuing UO students. Review details below to learn more about each award’s criteria and eligibility. Eligible students are encouraged to apply, regardless of immigration status and/or FAFSA eligibility.
Review of applications will occur on a rolling basis. The Department of Political Science will issue a call for applications in the spring term. Students are encouraged to visit this page for updates as they are posted.
Awardees must attend the University of Oregon at the time of application AND register for credits in fall term of the year the scholarship is to be received. Incomplete or late applications will not be reviewed.
Selection of award recipients are made by the department head in consultation with the department’s Honors and Awards Committee. Scholarships are awarded to current UO students; the department reserves the right to withhold any scholarship.
Political Science Scholarship Application
Neil D. Blackman Memorial Scholarship
Eligibility: Current sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student of any major. This scholarship is awarded to a financially, academically and intellectually deserving student to pursue studies in the humanities or political philosophy relevant to human rights, the responsibilities of individuals to democratic institutions, and public service. The student must demonstrate a broad historic perspective and the courage to practice their beliefs.
Award: $2,000
How to apply:
- Submit the scholarship application.
- Submit a cover letter that explains how you meet the criteria of the award.
- Optional: Relevant non-UO transcripts may be submitted for review. Unofficial UO transcripts will be accessed on the student’s behalf.
Alanson H. Kleinsorge Political Science Scholarship
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors majoring in political science who are eligible for financial aid*, as determined by the University. This scholarship is to support individuals with weak academic backgrounds who have begun to show promise that they will blossom into good, perhaps even great, students. The recipient will demonstrate that they have made significant sustained improvements in their academic performance after difficulties at some point in their career (high school or college).
Award: $4,000
How to apply:
- Complete the scholarship application form; interested students can expect an updated link in anticipation of spring term.
- Submit a cover letter that discusses your academic challenges, what you have learned, where you hope to go from here, and how you plan to succeed. Be sure to consider the award criteria.
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from a UO faculty member that addresses how you are making an effort to demonstrate your ability to meet class expectations, improve grades, and are on a trajectory to being a great student. Students are responsible for requesting a letter of recommendation themselves and are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Reach out to a faculty member over email or in office hours, preferably shortly after the call for applications.
- Discuss the award criteria and ask if they would be willing to speak on your behalf.
- From there, faculty are directed to submit a letter of recommendation directly to the department rather than back to the student.
- Letters of recommendation should be submitted to doneil6@uoregon.edu.
- Optional: Relevant non-UO transcripts may be submitted for review. Unofficial UO transcripts will be accessed on the student’s behalf.
For questions regarding financial aid eligibility, contact the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 541-346-3221.
Michael & Libby McCaslin Scholarship
Eligibility: Current juniors or seniors majoring in political science. Candidates will be evaluated on the overall quality of their academic work, commitment to learning, and the potential for further academic achievement.
Award: $1,500
How to apply:
- Complete the scholarship application form; interested students can expect an updated link in anticipation of spring term.
- Submit a cover letter that discusses your academic challenges, what you have learned, where you hope to go from here, and how you plan to succeed. Be sure to consider the award criteria.
- Obtain a letter of recommendation from a UO faculty member that addresses how you are making an effort to demonstrate your ability to meet class expectations, improve grades, and are on a trajectory to being a great student. Students are responsible for requesting a letter of recommendation themselves and are encouraged to take the following steps:
- Reach out to a faculty member over email or in office hours, preferably shortly after the call for applications.
- Discuss the award criteria and ask if they would be willing to speak on your behalf.
- From there, faculty are directed to submit a letter of recommendation directly to the department rather than back to the student.
- Letters of recommendation should be submitted to doneil6@uoregon.edu.
- Optional: Relevant non-UO transcripts may be submitted for review. Unofficial UO transcripts will be accessed on the student’s behalf.