Strauss Foundation Scholarship

Award

Recipients will receive $15,000 to implement a year-length, sustainable public service project.  Up to $7,000 may be given to the recipient as a scholarship to cover educational expenses, with the remaining amount funding the service project expenses.


Scholar Responsibilities​​​​

  • Maintain satisfactory academic performance (upper 1/3 class).
  • Carry out the public service project.
  • Email short bi-monthly updates and a 2-page final assessment.
  • Attend a mandatory meeting of all Strauss Award recipients.
  • Serve as a Strauss Ambassador at the respective campus.

Eligibility

  • The applicant has completed at least one year of college and will not graduate before June 2026.​
  • The applicant has a GPA in the upper 1/3 of their class.​
  • The applicant has a desire to make a difference in local, regional, national, or international communities.

Application Guidance

The Strauss Foundation encourages you to apply if you meet all of the eligibility requirements. The Strauss Foundation reccomends that applicants consult with the SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership (CCLL) for application feedback and guidance before submission of the final application. CCLL will consult on proposed projects, identify community partnerships, and review draft applications prior to December 10, 2024. Please email community.learning@sjsu.edu to set up an application consultation.

Application Summary

The application requires an innovative, original, public service proposal. Applicants will need to dedicate time and effort to submit a well-researched and compelling proposal. 

  • Application Summary
  • 1 page resume 
  • 1 Personal Essay
    • Identifying applicant’s background, passions, “North Star”, relevant accomplishments, and why the project is meaningful for you.
  • Project Proposal
    • Must be submitted in a single PDF form, limited to 4 pages, including Budget and Timeline, typed with 1.2 spacing.
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation  from individuals who are well acquainted with the student’s work (academic or service); these can be from the current academic institution, organizations (including community or public service organizations), former professors, employers, community representatives, etc.
    • If the project is to be done with a partner institution, a Letter of Support from that organization’s leadership.
  • Transcript(s) from all colleges attended; copies are acceptable.
  • Acceptance Agreement

Application Deadline

January 26, 2025

Past Funded Projects

https://www.straussfoundationdb.org/projects/funded.php


Sample Proposals

https://www.straussfoundation.org/sample-projects


Scholarship Website

https://www.straussfoundation.org/apply