College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences > Student Resources > Scholarships > National Scholarships > Freshmen & Sophomores

Scholarships for Freshmen & Sophomores

​​​​​While there are not as many national scholarships for underclassmen as for upperclassmen, there are still many opportunities. Some of the more common ones are are listed below.

Note: DePaul has a number of internal scholarships for students interested in research and study abroad. For instance, LAS offers the Undergraduate Summer Research Program, Undergraduate Research Assistant Program. There is also the Meister Scholarship and numerous grants offered by the Study Abroad Office.

  1. ​​Boren/ NSEP: Boren Scholarships provide up to $20,000 to U.S. undergraduate students to study abroad in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad. Boren Scholars represent a variety of academic backgrounds, but all are interested in studying less commonly taught languages; the countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded. For a complete list of languages, see the Boren website. In exchange for scholarship funding, all Boren Scholars must agree to the NSEP Service Requirement.

  2. Coro Kansas City Summer Internship in Public Affairs: Develops future community leaders through exposure to community issues, skill development, civic leaders and organizations. For sophomores, juniors and seniors.

  3. Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund: Provides grants to students actively working for peace and justice. These need-based scholarships are awarded to those able to do academic work while actively participating in struggles for civil rights, economic justice, international solidarity or other progressive issues.

  4. Fulbright UK Summer Institutes: Provides freshmen and sophomores the opportunity to experience an exciting academic programme at a highly regarded UK University, explore the culture, heritage and history of the UK and develop their academic ability by improving presentation, research and communication skills.

  5. Fund for Education Abroad (FEA). This scholarship is for students who are seeking to study abroad. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as undergraduates in US universities/colleges who plan to study abroad for at least four weeks . Fund for Education Abroad will award up to $10,000 to support students planning to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs academic year or summer.

  6. Gilman International Scholarship: Offers grants for undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. The program aims to encourage students to choose nontraditional destinations, especially those outside of Western Europe and Australia. It aims to support students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad, including students with high financial need, in underrepresented fields such as the sciences and engineering, with diverse ethnic backgrounds, with disabilities, and of nontraditional age.

  7. Goldwater: Awards undergraduate scholarships to sophomores and juniors who have outstanding potential and intend to pursue careers in mathematics, the natural sciences or engineering. Scholarships cover eligible expenses for tuition, books, r&b, etc. up to $7500 annually.

  8. Gilder Lehrman History Scholars Program: A five-week scholarly research program in American history based in New York City for outstanding college sophomores and juniors.

  9. Harriman Foreign Service: The Pamela Harriman Foreign Service Fellowships are offered annually to three outstanding undergraduates from across the nation. Students are chosen to serve in a summer professional position with the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC, and the U.S. Embassies in London and Paris.

  10. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides a wide array of scholarships for Latino students including those for students transferring from community colleges.

  11. Hollings: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings (Hollings) provides successful undergraduate applicants with awards that include academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000 per year) for full-time study during the 9-month academic year; a 10-week, full-time internship position ($650/week) during the summer at a NOAA facility; and, if reappointed, academic assistance (up to a maximum of $8,000) for full-time study during a second 9-month academic year. The internship between the first and second years of the award provides the Scholars with "hands-on"/ practical educational training experience in NOAA-related science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. Awards also include travel funds to attend a mandatory NOAA Scholarship Program orientation, conferences where students present a paper or poster, and a housing subsidy for scholars who do not reside at home during the summer internship.

  12. Morgan Stanley Richard B. Fisher Scholarship Program: a competitive undergraduate scholarship program established to provide outstanding Black, Hispanic, -Native American and LGBT students with a financial award for a summer internship based on exceptional academic achievement. Eligible candidates must be currently enrolled as a sophomore or junior at an accredited four-year institution at the time of their application with a competitive grade point average. Students with all majors are eligible.

  13. Rangel International Affairs: The Rangel Program offers a few different programs, both for undergraduates and graduates, that may be of interest to students interested in pursuing international affairs. The programs have generous benefits for those who want careers in international public service. For undergraduates, there is a six-week summer enrichment program that involves two courses and a writing seminar in Washington DC. Participants are also introduced to a wide-range of professionals working on global issues. The program aims to prepare students for careers in international affairs. The program covers tuition, travel, room and board, and provides a small stipend. The program particularly encourages the application of members of minority groups historically underrepresented in the Foreign Service and those with financial need.

  14. New Sector Alliance Summer Fellowship program: An intensive, 11-week leadership development program for individuals interested in the social impact sector.

  15. State Department Foreign Internship Program: The US Foreign Service is seeking applicants for a new internship program that lets students intern for two summers, first in DC and then at an embassy overseas. This is PAID, and would be a great foot in the door for anyone thinking about going into the Foreign Service.

  16. For Study Abroad scholarships, click here and here.

  17. Udall: $5,000 to sophomores and juniors with the potential to make significant contributions to the fields of environment, tribal health, or tribal governance.