Bates Scholarship in the Social Sciences

Bates Scholarship in the Social Sciences - UGRD

College of Social Science | 2026-27 Academic Year UNDERGRADUATES ONLY
Please note: This scholarship will alternate every other year between aiding undergraduate students (in even years) and graduate students (in odd years).

Eligibility Criteria:

For Undergraduate Students: This scholarship is available to undergraduate students who are enrolled in a College of Social Science primary major or second degree at the time of funding.

Preference is given to students who meet one or more of the following conditions:
- Students enrolled in the FAME program.
- Students enrolled in the Social Science Scholars primary major or second degree at the time of funding.
- Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher at the time of application.
- 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 a College of Social Science graduate degree program.

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 deadline of October 5, 2026.

Note: All the required materials need to be submitted by the deadline to be considered. Email us at SSC.Student@msu.edu with questions.
Section 1: Applicant Profile

Please provide your current academic and contact information. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your official MSU student record. This information will be used to verify eligibility and facilitate scholarship review.
Name:

First NameLast Name
PID (Student ID Number)
*8-digit number that starts with an "A" or "1". Can be found on your MSU ID.
MSU E-mail:
Degree Program:
Your Social Science Primary or Second-Degree major. Example: Geography, Political Science-Prelaw, History: SSE
Academic Level
Current cumulative credits at the time of application.
Cumulative GPA
Current cumulative GPA at the time of application.
Expected Graduation Term (EGT):
(Example: Fall 2026, Spring 2027, Summer 2027)

Section 3: Scholarship Profile

Please describe your academic and career goals, and explain how this scholarship will support your success at MSU and beyond. Responses help reviewers understand your aspirations, motivation, and the impact this scholarship may have on achieving your educational and professional goals.
Academic Goals
In a brief paragraph, what are your academic goals here at MSU?
Career Goals
In a brief paragraph, what are your career goals after MSU?
Personal Growth
In a brief paragraph, describe the opportunities and experiences that have contributed to your growth during your time at MSU. How have they prepared you for future success?
Preference Experience
If you qualify for one or more Preferences (see Section 2), in 1-2 Paragraphs, please discuss how these experiences have shaped your time here at MSU. How did it help you grow here?
Scholarship Outcomes
In 1-2 paragraphs, how will the Charles Bates Scholarship in Social Science help you achieve these goals, contribute towards your personal growth, and support your success?

Section 4: Recommendation

Please provide the recommendation form link listed below to one MSU faculty or staff member who can speak to your experiences, character, and contributions as an MSU student and community member. While a recommendation is optional and not required for scholarship consideration, it can provide reviewers with additional insight during the application review process.

Important Notes:
- Recommendation forms must be received by the scholarship application deadline to be considered with your application.
- Late submissions will not be included in the review process.
- If multiple recommendation forms are submitted on behalf of the same applicant, only the first response received will be considered.
- A single recommendation form response may be used for multiple scholarship applications. The referee will be asked to select the scholarship(s) for which their recommendation should be considered.
- Please ensure you provide your referee with the correct scholarship name(s) to help us match their recommendation to the appropriate application(s).
- Reference forms must be completed and submitted by the designated referee. Submission of a reference form without the referee's knowledge or consent may result in disqualification of the application.
Social Science Undergraduate Reference Form Link:

https://form.jotform.com/262195397792069

If your designated faculty or staff member has any questions, they can reach out to us at SSC.Student@msu.edu.
Reminder for applicants: Submission of an application gives the selection committee permission to review the student’s academic and financial aid records.
By signing my full name, I am acknowledging that the information above is true and accurate.

NOTE: If the applicant is unable to use the signature tool, please type the full name in the space below the Signature box.
Signature
Applicant Full Name:
Example: Sparty M. Spartan
Should be Empty:

Bates Scholarship in the Social Sciences - UGRD