Mary Davis Fellowship

Mary Davis Fellowship in Public Service was established by Mary Davis in recognition of Whittier College’s commitment to providing an outstanding education to its students.

The fellowship will be awarded to two undergraduate students annually, who are pursuing internships or field research committed to economic development and general improvement of the human condition. This fellowship is particularly directed at women from any major who have a firm career interest in public service and who will do their internships or field research projects in the U.S. or abroad (except China).

Eligibility Criteria

  • Sophomores or juniors in good academic standing
  • Open to students of any major or academic program
  • Students who identify as a woman preferred, but not necessary 

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrate academic ability.
  • The ability to conduct and complete the proposed research project, internship, or experience.
  • Previous experience with research is welcome, but not necessary.
  • If traveling abroad is part of the proposal, the ability to engage in study abroad.
  • Must have an interest in public service.

Program Benefits

  • A stipend of $4,000.
  • A research or travel budget of $1,000.
  • A scholarship of $2,000 will be applied towards tuition upon completion of the project. 
  • The faculty mentor will also receive a stipend of $500 upon completion of the project. 

Applying to the Program

The application is due on March 4, 2024. Use this guide to gather your documents. Request these items two weeks prior to the deadlines.

A complete application consists of:

  • Unofficial academic transcripts.
  • Current semester Course Progress Report for each 3-4 credit course you are enrolled in.
  • Signed sample Student Contract.
  • Signed Mentor Agreement.
  • A resume.
  • A written recommendation letter from the faculty mentor for the project.
  • A reference contact from someone outside your major and the project’s area of focus. This can be a faculty member or, when applicable to the project, a personal reference (e.g., employer, internship supervisor, volunteer coordinator).
  • A 500-word essay explaining why you want this fellowship opportunity, how you will benefit from the fellowship both personally and professionally, your career goals in public service, and what personal qualities (skills, attributes, and/or abilities) you possess that will ensure a successful fellowship experience. 
  • A 1000-word essay outlining the proposed research project, internship, or travel experience. This should articulate the primary objective of your project, discuss why is it important, explain the methodology(ies)/ approach(es) that will be used to accomplish your objective, present a timeline for the project during the fellowship period, and identify the end result(s) of your project (e.g., a public presentation at URSCA or other conferences, a paper, artwork, play, etc.).
  • Selected semi-finalists may be interviewed.
Apply Now

Fellowship Advisor

Elizabeth Sanchez
esanche1@whittier.edu

Past Fellows

Lissa Castillo Higueros & Galilea Landa-Posas (2023)
Destiny Randle & Zoe Iseri (2022)
Anni Bamwenda & Shanti Nelson (2021)
Norma De La Rosa & Jewel Henderson (2020)
Jasmin Cao & Piper Lowinger (2019)
Taylor Charles & Maya Eylon (2018)
Ciara Clark, Malory Henry & Yerin Kwak (2017)
Sofia Duenas & Kelcey Negus (2016)
Lauren Galantai & Laneshia Ross (2015)
Sophia Genovese & Jessica (Marisol) Marroquin (2014)