These opportunities are good fits for undergraduate students with junior status (90-134 units earned)


  • Sponsored by the National Security Education Program, the David L. Boren Scholarship provides funding for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Applicants select a study abroad program in consultation with their study abroad office and Boren 91探花 Representative and receive funding up to $20,000 depending on the award and length of program. In exchange for financial support, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation. Application materials must be certified by campus officers and as a result the campus deadline is before the national deadline.  For application information, contact the Center for International Education in SF 102.

  • The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United State and other countries, CLS provides study opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning. The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages.  Applications are typically due in November.

  • The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers scholarships for U.S. citizen undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant to pursue academic studies abroad and credit-bearing internships abroad. Named after retired Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman from New York, the program’s mission is to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Award recipients receive up to $5,000 to apply toward study abroad or internship program costs, including program fees, tuition, room and board, airfare, books, and local transportation. Application materials must be certified by campus officers and as a result the campus deadline is before the national deadline.  For application information, contact the Center for International Education in SF 102.

  • The purpose of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation is to alleviate a critical current and future shortage of highly qualified scientists, mathematicians, and engineers. In today’s terms, it is to provide a continuing source of highly qualified individuals to those fields of academic study and research. Each scholarship covers expenses for undergraduate tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year for two years. In awarding scholarships, the Foundation Board of Trustees will consider the nominated student’s field of study and career objectives and the extent to which that student can make a significant contribution to the field.  Applications are typically due in February.

  • Google offers several scholarships for outstanding students who show promise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines or in other disciplines with a track record of innovation. Included in the scholarships are specific opportunities for underrepresented students in technology including but not limited to students with disabilities, veterans, and women in technology. Winners may be required to attend the Google Computer Science Summer Institute. Deadlines and awards for scholarships vary, with applications due in November and December.  Applications are typically due from December to March depending on the scholarship.
  • Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
    Funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with financial support, mentoring, and professional development to prepare them academically and professionally for a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service. Program benefits include, up to $37,500 annually for tuition for two years of undergraduate and graduate study, two summer internships, an orientation program, and mentorship from a Foreign Service Officer throughout the fellowship. Those who complete the program earn and must make a five year commitment to employment in the Department of State Foreign Service.   Applications are  typically due in January.

  • The Harry S. Truman Scholarship recognizes future public service leaders. The application is open to junior level students who plan to go into careers in public service. Successful applicants will have outstanding service and leadership records as well as an academic record that indicates success in the graduate program of the student’s choice. The scholarship awards $30,000 toward graduate school, will be a part of a scholar orientation, and join the professional network of Truman scholars. The key characteristics sought by the review committee are outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, commitment to a career in public service, and likelihood of becoming a change agent in his/her field.   Applications are  typically due in February.

Did you read through all of the listings for nationally competitive fellowships and scholarships, but didn't find anything that is the right fit? Consider looking at  , Cal State East Bay's in house portal for scholarship opportunities. These have fewer applicants and are less competitive, but still can provide useful funding for your university education. The portal uses a common application system, which opts you into all the Pioneer Scholarships that you are eligible for. The common application consists of four 500 word essay questions and a letter of recommendation. Application deadlines vary, but the most common deadline is in April for the following academic year.