The department emails current students with up-to-date information on the John T. Batchelder Scholarship, the Paul B. Henry Congressional Internship, as well as other current scholarships and opportunities for political science students. If you have any questions, please email us: [email protected].  Applications are accepted via GVSU's myScholarships.

We work closely with GVSU's Office of Fellowships to help students compete for national scholarships and fellowships. Consult the Office of Fellowships for detailed information on opportunities related to social sciences, public service, the environment, international study and graduate school.

 

JOHN T. BATCHELDER SCHOLARSHIP

The John T. Batchelder scholarship is funded by a generous grant from the Batchelder family. The scholarship honors Dr. John Thayer Batchelder who served as a Grand Valley State University professor until his retirement in 1997.

The main requirements are:
-political science major
-3.3. overall and major GPA
-entering junior year carrying at least 55 credits
-submit a transcript and one page essay

 

ADAM M. MALSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Timothy R. Zeeb, who graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 2002 with a major in International Relations and minors in Political Science and German, has established the Adam M. Malson Memorial Scholarship in honor of his dear friend and fallen hero, 1st Lieutenant Adam M. Malson.

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist a student in Political Science or International Relations with the cost of their education. To qualify for this scholarship, students must:

• Be accepted for or currently enrolled at GVSU
• Be an undergraduate student enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more) with a major in Political Science or International Relations
• Student should be making university Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• Preference will be given to students with military service

 

THE GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP

The GV in DC Endowed Scholarship, a joint project of the DC Alumni Chapter and the Political Science Department, helps Grand Valley students study and intern in Washington, D.C. Our partnership with the Washington Center is just one of the ways that current students can pursue unique learning opportunities and continue their professional development in our nation's capital.

Award: The 2026 award will be at least $2,000. This scholarship is not renewable.

Eligibility: 

• Must be an undergraduate student currently attending or accepted for admission
• to GVSU
• Must be planning to pursue a University-approved internship in Washington, D.C.
• Must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Preference will be given to candidates who are the first in their family to earn a
• four-year degree (first-generation students)
• Financial need may be considered and can be demonstrated by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Conditions of the Award:
Scholarship funds will be disbursed only after a recipient enrolls in a University-
approved internship in Washington, D.C. Recipients will work with the department's
internship coordinator to identify and secure an appropriate placement.

Application Materials:
Please attach the following to your submission email:
1. Resume
2. Essay (500-word limit) addressing your reasons for seeking the internship,
relevant experiences that prepare you for it, and how it advances your career and
educational goals. Essays must be original and written without generative AI
tools.

Submission: Send all materials to the Department of Political Science at [email protected].

 

PAUL B. HENRY CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP

The Paul B. Henry Foundation provides a scholarship of at least $2,000 for travel and
living expenses, and Henry Scholars receive a tuition waiver for up to 6 credit hours.
The GVSU Alumni Association's DC Chapter adds a special dimension to the program
through mentorship and support of GVSU interns. The Henry Scholar will work with the
department's internship coordinator to identify and secure a placement.
Eligibility

Open to students in any major. Applicants must have completed a minimum of 55 credit
hours before the internship begins. Students graduating before their internship begins
are not eligible. Henry Scholars are expected to report about their experiences to the
GVSU community during the following academic year.

Application Materials
1. Resume
1. Essay (500-word limit) addressing your reasons for seeking the internship,
relevant experiences that prepare you for it, and how it advances your career and
educational goals. Essays must be original and written without generative AI
tools.

Submission: Send all materials to the Department of Political Science at [email protected].

 

JOHN H. LOGIE FELLOWS PROGRAM

The John H. Logie Fellows Program, administered by the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, provides an opportunity for Grand Valley Students to contribute to Grand Rapids city government.The award provides students with a paid fellowship of $2,500 and up to 3 credits of internship, practicum, independent study, or independent research tuition-free.