Bates Scholarship

Please note: This scholarship will alternate every other year between aiding undergraduate students and graduate students. Beginning AY2024-25, this scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students and alternate with graduate students every other year.

For Undergraduate Students: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the College of Social Science. Preference is given to students who meet the following conditions:

Students enrolled in the FAME program.
Students enrolled in the Social Science Scholars program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrated financial need.
Students who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Students who have earned the Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of America and/or served in AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, or AmeriCorps State and National.

For Graduate Students: This scholarship is available to graduate students who are enrolled in the College of Social Science. Preference is given to students who meet the following conditions:

Students who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Students who have earned the Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of America and/or served in AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, or AmeriCorps State and National.

Please complete this application, along with supporting materials by the extended deadline of September 30, 2025.

Note: All the required materials need to be uploaded prior to submitting the application. If you have difficulty with uploading your document, please email Jennifer Abbott at abbottjs@msu.edu.

Name:*

First NameLast Name

PID

*8-digit nunber that starts with an "A" or "1". Can be found on your MSU ID.

Department/School:*

Please name the department of your major, not college. Example: Dept of Anthropology or School of Criminal Justice

MSU E-mail:*

Cellphone:*

Area CodePhone Number

Local Address:*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry

Degree Program:*

Name of your major. Example: Geography, Political Science-Prelaw, History: SSE

Advisor: *

Date of First Enrollment:*

Anticipated Graduation Date:*

Award Preferences:

If you meet any of the following preferences, please make sure you demonstrate how you meet them in your essay.

For Undergraduate Students: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the College of Social Science. Preference is given to students who meet the following conditions:

Students enrolled in the FAME program.
Students enrolled in the Social Science Scholars program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher and demonstrated financial need.
Students who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Students who have earned the Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of America and/or served in AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, or AmeriCorps State and National.

For Graduate Students: This scholarship is available to graduate students who are enrolled in the College of Social Science. Preference is given to students who meet the following conditions:

Students who have demonstrated academic achievement and financial need.
Students who have earned the Eagle Scout Award through the Boy Scouts of America and/or served in AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, or AmeriCorps State and National.

I am part of the following groups (select as many that apply):

I am enrolled in the FAME programI am a member of the Social Science Scholars program with a 3.0 or higher GPA and have demonstrated in my essay financial need.I have earned the Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America. (Please include a copy of your credentials or Eagle Scout certificate with your essay.)I have served in AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, or AmeriCorps State and National.

A one to two page essay prepared by the student indicating the applicant’s academic and career goals AND the ways in which the applicant meets the criteria for the Charles Bates Scholarship in the Social Sciences.*

Upload a File

A student-prepared resume of career achievements to date. *

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No more than two letters of recommendation from the applicant's faculty supervisor, mentor, academic advisers, unit heads, or other appropriate referees.

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If the author of the Letter of Recommendation requires the letter sealed and delivered to the college office, please drop-off or mail to the College of Social Science, Office of Gradaute Studies, 509 E. Circle Drive, Berkey Hall, Room 224, East Lansing, MI 48824; or they may email the letter to SSC.Graduatedean@msu.edu.

You may create a placeholder document to complete this section (by using the "Upload a File" above). The placeholder document must include the name of who is providing the recommendation, title, department/school (if appropriate), email, and date requested.

NOTE: It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the letter is received in 224 Berkey Hall prior to the deadline. If the letter is not received by the deadline, the application will be considered incomplete and rejected.

Reminder for applicants: Submission of an application gives the selection committee permission to review the student’s academic and financial aid records.

By typing my full name, I am acknowledging that the information above is true and accurate.

Applicant Full Name:

Application for the Charles Bates Scholarship in the Social Sciences