Washington Monument during sunset.

The George Washington Fellowship Program offers outstanding preparation for students interested in a career in the public square. Open to Hillsdale College undergraduate students of all majors, this competitive three-year program includes and expands upon the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program with rigorous studies focused on America’s founding documents and on leading statesmen and thinkers who have upheld the enduring principles of American constitutionalism. Based at the Hillsdale Washington, D.C. Campus., the Fellowship includes a generous scholarship of $5,000 per semester beginning in the spring of the fellow’s sophomore year.

The Fellowship has four components:

Additional curriculum focusing on American political thought and constitutional history

Discussions with visiting scholars

Research and writing projects that serve as preparation for civic deliberation

Participation in WHIP during an academic semester

Curriculum

All Hillsdale College students are required to take three core courses in history and politics:

In addition to these, Washington Fellows will take the following courses:

Students will choose one of the following:

Additionally, students will choose one of the following:

Please refer to the Hillsdale College Catalog for additional course information.

Selection Process

Students of any major who are interested in the Fellowship may apply during the fall semester of their sophomore year. Applications are evaluated by a faculty selection committee. Selection is based on three criteria:

  • Outstanding academic achievement and dedication to scholarly excellence
  • Initiative and leadership in extracurricular activities relating to civic life
  • Demonstrated interest in public affairs and public service

How to Apply

Students must submit the following items with their application:

  • A resume
  • A three-to four-page writing sample from a paper submitted during the student’s freshman year
  • One letter of recommendation from a Hillsdale College faculty member
  •  A 500-750 word biographical and personal statement that addresses the subjects and areas of public affairs you are interested in pursuing and how a Fellowship would prepare you for a career in public life.

Additionally, applicants must have a freshman GPA of 3.5 or higher. A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater is required for maintenance of the scholarship.

Qualified candidates will proceed to the interview stage, which will take place during the fall semester. Students should be prepared to discuss various points in their resume, coursework, and paper submissions.

Applications are due on Friday, October 13, 2023. A faculty selection committee headed by Dr. Matthew Spalding will evaluate applications and conduct professional interviews of invited applicants in early October.

Please email Colin M. Brown ([email protected]) with questions regarding either Fellowship, or contact Mary Greco ([email protected]) with questions about the WHIP program in Washington, D.C.

 

NOTE: There is one application for both the George Washington and Winston Churchill Fellowships. Students who apply for one fellowship may be considered for the other.