Funding Available For Student Internships, Research at the University of Montana

The Public Policy and Leadership Initiative of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at The University of Montana is now accepting applications for the Pat Williams Scholarships for internships and research awards.

Grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 are available for UM undergraduate and graduate students and will be awarded to projects that fall under the areas of public policy and leadership. Past grants have provided critical assistance for UM students.

"The Pat Williams Scholarship was a tremendous help with my Washington, D.C., internship," said Logan Timmerhoff, who interned at the White House this summer. "A million little costs add up fast; the scholarship allowed me to focus on my internship experience and not worry about how I was going to pay for it."

"The Pat Williams Scholarship gave me the extra support I needed to supplement my education with research in Mexico, a truly invaluable experience," said Emily Gutierrez, a UM undergraduate studying political science.

Recipients will use the grants during the upcoming Wintersession and 2012 spring and summer semesters. Application criteria are available at http://www.umt.edu/mansfield and applications are due Monday, Nov. 28. Awardees will be contacted by Dec. 14, and their names also will be posted on the center’s website.

Grants will be made in two areas:

Internships: Students must already have a specific internship in mind to which the funds would be applied, but can consult with their department or the Mansfield Center for relevant opportunities.

Research: Students must have sufficient background in the discipline of the major to conduct meaningful research and the ability to develop and carry out a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The faculty mentor’s written agreement to work with the student is required.

The Mansfield Center was established in 1983 to honor former Sen. Mike Mansfield’s long and distinguished service. The center hosts programs that embody the core interests and characteristics of Mansfield’s career: ethics in public affairs and modern Asian affairs. It serves as a resource to students and the general community, offering speakers, courses and scholarships.

The Public Policy and Leadership Initiative follows Mansfield’s example by emphasizing the global nature of responsible decision-making, ethical leadership and the skills necessary for considered policy development. This marks the third year the program has granted scholarships. Last year, more than $30,000 was awarded to students in a range of fields.

The Pat Williams Scholarships are made possible by a congressionally appropriated grant administered by the U.S. Department of Education. The funding of these internships and research does not imply endorsement of specific activities by the federal government.

For more information call Deena Mansour at 406-243-2713 or email [email protected].

http://news.umt.edu/2011/10/102611mans.aspx