MACON – Mercer University has been named a participating institution for the Churchill Scholarship, a prestigious and highly selective award for American students to engage in a year of master's-level study in science, mathematics and engineering at the University of Cambridge.
Mercer joins Emory, Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia as the only institutions in the state to participate in the scholarship program, and is the only participating institution in the Southern Conference.
“The Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States accepts nominations for the Churchill Scholarship from a limited number of U.S. institutions. With the addition of Mercer University, our list of Participating Institutions is now 113 colleges and universities. Each institution can nominate up to two candidates per year for the 15 scholarships available,” said Dr. Michael Morse, executive director of the Winston Churchill Foundation of the United States.
“The Foundation seeks institutions that are able to nominate competitive candidates on a regular basis. The Churchill Scholarship is often called the most academically challenging of the prestigious U.K. scholarships, so this is no easy task. Scholarship winners typically have compiled a resume that would be impressive for advanced graduate students, even though they apply as undergraduates. On a recent visit to Mercer, the Foundation was impressed by the quality of the science and engineering facilities, the enthusiasm of the faculty and the achievements of the students. We look forward to receiving nominations in the years to come.”
The Churchill Scholarship was established at the request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfill his vision of U.S.-U.K. scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure future prosperity and security.
Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, either native born or naturalized, and must be a senior who is enrolled in one of the institutions participating in the scholarship program or a student who has graduated from one of those institutions within the past 12 months. Upon taking up the scholarship, a Churchill Scholar must hold a bachelor's or an equivalent degree, and may not have attained a doctorate.
The one-year awards lead to the Master of Philosophy or Master of Advanced Study from Churchill College at the University of Cambridge.
The scholarship is worth between $50,000 and $60,000, depending on the exchange rate. It covers all University and College fees in addition to a living allowance and reimbursement for travel and associated fees.
The Churchill Foundation also offers the possibility of a Special Research Grant of up to $2,000. This grant may cover travel for presentations at international conferences, short stays at another university or institute for special research, and other activities.
“Mercer students are among the most accomplished young scientists and engineers in the country, and becoming a participating institution for the Churchill Scholarship is one more prestigious recognition of our students' accomplishments,” said Dr. David A. Davis, director of fellowships and scholarships and associate professor of English at Mercer. “Our students deserve the opportunity to compete for the Churchill Scholarship.”
Since 1963, around 500 Churchill Scholarships have been awarded. For more information on the scholarship, visit www.churchillscholarship.org.
