George J. Mitchell Scholarship

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program is a national, competitive scholarship sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance.

The George J. Mitchell Scholarship Program, named to honor former US Senator George Mitchell's pivotal contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process, is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland, while recognizing and fostering intellectual achievement, leadership, and a commitment to community and public service.

Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars between the ages of 18 and 30 are chosen annually for one academic year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria: scholarship, leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service.

The Mitchell Scholarship Program provides tuition, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses and travel.

Eligibility

All eligible candidates who are prepared to enter a rigorous scholarship competition are encouraged to apply.

A Candidate for the Mitchell Scholarship Program must meet all the following criteria:

  • Be a U.S. citizen
  • Be 18 years of age or older, but not yet 30, on the date the application is due. For example, if the deadline is September 29 and you turn 30 on September 28, you are not eligible.
  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university before beginning study as a Mitchell Scholar. Degrees from international accredited universities are acceptable if all other conditions are met.
  • While married applicants or applicants with partners are accepted, no allowance is made for the expenses of an applicant’s spouse, partner, or dependents. 

Important Dates

  • Up to June 1:  Complete the Declaration of Intent to Apply Form to be interviewed about your interest in the Mitchell Scholarship and to request a formal nomination review from GVSU. 
  • August 16: Complete the application requirements for the internal Grand Valley review. A short zoom interview with a small faculty committee occurs in August/early September. You will receive feedback on your essays so that you can continue to work on them.
  • August/Early September: Thorough review of your application in collaboration with Dr. Tooley (to be sure that your essays are progressing well, that your letters of recommendation have been requested and are complete).
  • All application materials must be submitted through the online application by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the late September deadline. The applicant is solely responsible for submitting their application and ensuring that all four letters of recommendation and the endorsement (required for undergraduate students only) are submitted by the deadline.

Application Information

All application materials must be submitted through the online application by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the late September deadline. The applicant is solely responsible for submitting their application and ensuring that all four letters of recommendation and the endorsement (required for undergraduate students only) are submitted by the deadline.

If you are an undergraduate student, please note that Grand Valley State University's deadline for institutional endorsements will be earlier than the Mitchell Scholarship application deadline (in some cases, much earlier - for GVSU, August 16). Please contact your campus fellowship advisor for these details before starting the application process. Graduate students and applicants in possession of an undergraduate degree at the time of the application deadline do NOT submit an institutional endorsement.

Please note: A fellowship advisor may only review your application if you send them a READ-ONLY version through the application system before you submit it. Once you submit your application, it cannot be un-submitted or viewed by you or your advisor. 



Page last modified April 3, 2023