Graduate Scholar Award

The Graduate Scholar Award (GSA) for Civic Engagement is designed to support highly qualified new master's degree students at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) who have demonstrated a commitment to civic engagement. The award provides a full tuition waiver for both the fall and spring semesters during the first year of graduate studies for up to 15 credit hours per semester (30 credit hours total). Recipients are responsible for paying student fees. To be eligible, applicants must be newly admitted to a master's program at SIUE, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and complete an application by March 1st. The application includes essay responses demonstrating commitment to civic engagement and one recommendation letter from someone familiar with the applicant's civic activities. Applications are reviewed based on demonstrated civic engagement, social impact, reflection on graduate education's role in continued engagement, and overall writing quality. Recipients must carry at least 6 semester hours of graduate-level work and remain in good academic standing throughout the award term.