Sandra Morgen Public Impact Graduate Scholarship

Deadline

March 7, 2025, 11:59 PM.

Your two recommendation letters must also be submitted no later than March 7, 2025, 11:59 PM. Only complete applications submitted by the deadline will be accepted. 

Overview

The purpose of the Sandra Morgen Public Impact Graduate Scholarship is to recognize and support research with significant societal impact potential. This award was formally known as the UO Public Impact Fellowship. Applications will be evaluated based on judgments of the direct impact of the research on a specific community; the potential regional, national, and global impact; and the strength of the student's academic record. Past successful applications showcased research on economic opportunity improvement and well-being, social justice, political participation, cultural engagement, and scientific and technical solutions to pressing social issues. 

Award Details

  • One award of $6,000.
  • Funds will be disbursed to student billing account in equal installments each quarter or semester of the 2025-26 academic year.

Eligibility and Criteria

Master's, Doctoral and Law students who: 

  • Must be conducting research that has substantial public value and will benefit local, national and/or global communities.
  • Have a strong academic record.
  • Must be making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of degree requirements. Review the Division of Graduate Studies' satisfactory progress requirement.
  • Must be enrolled full time at the time of award distribution.

Applications will be judged using the following criteria:

  • Student's ability to convey their research to an audience of non-specialists.
  • Clarity of the direct impact of the research on a specific community as well as the potential regional, national, and global impact.
  • Strength of the student's academic record.
  • Attention will be paid to discipline to ensure broad representation of UO graduate programs each year. 

Application

Applicants must apply online. The online application includes:

  • A statement (no more than 600 words) directed to an audience of non-specialists, that includes a description of your research and its direct impact on a specific community as well as the potential regional, national, and global impact. Please also address professional interests, how they relate to the requirements of this award, and a description of how you will use these funds.
  • 1 letter of recommendation from the designated UO faculty advisor.
  • 1 letter of recommendation from another UO faculty member.

Apply now

For more information, please contact the Division of Graduate Studies.

Graduate Students with Financial Aid
Receiving this award may reduce your financial aid award. Please contact the Financial Aid Office prior to applying for this (and any other type of) support.

You may apply for this award regardless of immigration status or work eligibility.