Deadline extended for MGSP Scholarships for Spring Semester

November 17, 2020

We know that many students passionate about public service at the state and local levels face a hard reality. Employers want applicants with robust experience. Although internships are one of the best ways to gain such experience, several students are financially unable to pursue fieldwork because it means a loss of workable hours. To spur more students to pursue careers in public service and help offset the cost of completing an internship, MSU’s Department of Political Science, in conjunction with generous donors, offers two scholarships to students participating in our prestigious Michigan Government Semester Program (MGSP). Two students accepted into MGSP for the Spring will be awarded a $2700 stipend to compensate for the lack of earnings and remove a hurdle to participation. Awards will be distributed to students in two installments, half at the beginning of the semester and the other half at the end of the semester. See the details below for who qualifies and how to apply. Recipients will be asked to attend an end-of-semester reception to celebrate their success and thank donors.

Who’s Eligible?

All Political Science students that:

  • Are admitted into the Michigan Government Semester Program for the Spring semester
  • Have an identified unpaid internship placement

Preference in awards will be based on a student’s:

  • Academic standing
  • Financial aid status (e.g., Pell grant recipient)
  • Community impact or public profile of internship placement
  • Quality of application essay
  • Membership in an underrepresented group in the public sector

How to Apply?

Submit a 500-word essay to Professor Marty Jordan, director of the MGSP, to jordan61@msu.edu by Friday December 4 at 5:00 pm responding to the following prompt: “Describe your interest in and goals for pursuing a career in public service, and explain why you are a qualified candidate and should be considered for the scholarship.” Please also include at the end of the essay the name, title, and contact information for a reference who can speak to your ability to complete a public service internship successfully. By submitting your application, you consent to the review committee accessing your education records and financial aid status. The review committee will announce the recipients in early December. Contact Professor Marty Jordan at jordan61@msu.edu with any questions.