Jefferson Scholarship
| Jefferson Scholarship | |
|---|---|
| Awarded for | Merit-based to high school seniors |
| Description | full scholarship to attend the University of Virginia |
| Sponsored by | Jefferson Scholars Foundation |
| Location | Charlottesville, Virginia, USA |
| Post-nominals | JS |
| Established | 1981 |
| Website | jeffersonscholars |
The Jefferson Scholarship is a full merit scholarship established in the United States. Founded at the University of Virginia, it is considered amongst the most prestigious scholarships in the world. Named after the Founding Father of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, the scholarship provides four years of fully-funded study at the University of Virginia.
In addition to covering all tuition, books, room and board, the scholarship also provides scholars finances for summer enrichment, independent research and study abroad. Around 30 scholars are selected annually from a direct application pool of 6,000 nominating schools, each able to nominate one student. Scholars have included 22 Rhodes Scholars and Marshall Scholars, Pulitzer Prize Winners and others.
History of the Scholarship
The first Jefferson Scholarship was endowed in 1981, named after the benefactor of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson.[1] The program has grown since with the support of benefactors and endowments. As of 2017, the endowment size was $418.8m, supporting 139 scholars.[2] The scholarship exceeds $333,000 for out-of-state scholars.[3]
Selection criteria
The mission of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation is to identify, attract, and nurture "individuals of extraordinary intellectual range and depth who possess the highest concomitant qualities of: Leadership, Scholarship, and Citizenship.[4]
Scholars are nominated as the most accomplished student at their respective school, and then compete through a series of interview rounds from local to regional, national and the finals, which are held in Charlottesville, Virginia.[5][6] There are currently 70 nominating regions, with over 6,000 schools eligible to nominate a student.[7] In 2020, over 2,100 students were nominated, and 34 selected, leaving the programme with a sub 2% admit rate.[3][8]
Enrichment programmes
Institute for Leadership & Citizenship
The Leadership and Citizenship institute is a two week seminar for all Scholars, taking place at the end of their freshman year. It is held on the grounds of the University of Virginia, and consists of workshops, group discussions and personal exploration, and is designed to foster and develop the characteristics of leadership and citizenship in Scholars.[9]
Travel Studies
Following their sophomore year, Scholars are encouraged to partake in foreign travel and study, and invited to undertake a self-designed exploration into a topic of personal interest.[9]
Many Scholars also take the opportunity to study at one of the university's partners for a semester.[9]
Exploratory Fund
The Exploratory Fund, as an initiative of the Foundation, provides seed funding for projects and concepts Scholars have. Developed as a means to support the innovation of Scholars, the Foundation encourages Scholars to build projects that serve societal and cultural development. New commercial or philanthropic enterprises within or outside the University can also apply for funding consideration.[10]
See also
References
- ^ Times, B. Drummond Ayres Jr Special to The New York (1976-04-14). "U. of Virginia Pays Tribute to 'Mr. Jefferson'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
- ^ "JSF Annual Report" (PDF). Jeff Scholars.
- ^ a b "The Jefferson and Walentas Scholarships | Jefferson Scholars Foundation". www.jeffersonscholars.org. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
- ^ "Jefferson Scholars Foundation Awards Full Scholarships to 38 Outstanding Students Across the Globe". UVA Today. 2019-05-15. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
- ^ CHAMBERS, JESSE (2021-06-25). "MBHS senior wins prestigious scholarship to University of Virginia". villagelivingonline.com. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
- ^ Hunter, Steve (2021-05-14). "Kentlake senior Baeza Lakew wins prestigious Jefferson Scholarship". Kent Reporter. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
- ^ "The UVA Jefferson Scholarship: Nomination & Selection Process | AdmitSee". www.admitsee.com. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
- ^ "The Foundation has announced the Jefferson Scholars Class of 2020 | Jefferson Scholars Foundation". www.jeffersonscholars.org. Retrieved 2022-04-18.
- ^ a b c "Community & Enrichment | Jefferson Scholars Foundation". www.jeffersonscholars.org. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
- ^ "Fellow alumnus launches new startup with the help of JSF's Exploratory Fund | Jefferson Scholars Foundation". www.jeffersonscholars.org. Retrieved 2022-04-20.
