George J. Mitchell Scholarships
The George J. Mitchell Scholarships were created in 1998 in honor of the former U.S. Senator and his pivotal role in the Northern Island peace process. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide future American leaders with an understanding of the island from which more than 44 million Americans claim descent. Students selected as Scholars are eligible to attend institutions of higher learning, including the seven universities of Ireland and the two universities of Northern Ireland, for one year of graduate study. Most Mitchell Scholars are in one-year masters programs. While there are no restrictions as to field of study, the proposed course of study must be available at the applicant's preferred university. The award covers tuition and housing and includes a stipend of $12,000, plus cost of travel in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Eligibility. Applicants must be U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 and have completed a bachelor's degree before commencing study as a Mitchell Scholar.
Application Procedure. Prospective applicants are strongly urged to begin preparing their applications at least two months in advance of the annual October deadline. Candidates apply directly to the U.S.-Ireland Alliance. However, all applicants must receive the formal endorsement of their undergraduate institutions, which at Clemson requires the student to be interviewed by a campus committee. In addition to the standard application form, candidates must prepare and submit a 1,000-word essay describing their interests and goals, and their reasons for wishing to undertake a specific course of study in Ireland or Northern Ireland. Applicants must also provide a summary of their college activities. At least five, and no more than eight, letters of recommendation are required. A preliminary elimination is made on the basis of credentials. A selection committee then determines which of the remaining candidates will be invited to Washington, D.C. for interviews and final selection.
Selection Criteria. Mitchell Scholars must have a record of intellectual distinction, leadership and extra-curricular activity, as well as personal characteristics that indicate a potential for future leadership and significant contributions to society. Previous study or personal experience in Ireland or Northern Island is not normally a factor in selection.
Mitchell Scholarship Timeline
- May 1: Mitchell Scholarship Applications available online
- September 6: Final drafts of applicant materials and letters of recommendation due to Ricki Shine via e-mail attachment
- September 13-17: Campus Interviews
- September 25: Final application and materials due to Ricki Shine
- October 5: Application Deadline (on-line application)
- November 19 & 20: Mitchell Finalist Interviews in Washington, DC