William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship for Minority Students

2008 Hearst Fellowship Information

The Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program (NSPP) of the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC, offers the William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fellowship three times annually. The fellowship, which is based on academic excellence and need, is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of color. The Hearst Fellow serves as an intern with NSPP. Through this fellowship, NSPP seeks to introduce a diverse group of students to issues relating to philanthropy, volunteerism, and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may arrange with their colleges or universities to receive academic credit for this experience.

The Aspen Institute's Nonprofit Sector and Philanthropy Program seeks to improve the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations and philanthropy through research, leadership, and communication initiatives. For more information about the program, please visit www.aspeninstitute.org/nspp.

Activities:
In his or her internship, the Hearst Fellow undertakes general research and program support for the Fund’s grantmaking and outreach efforts. 

Requirements:
The ideal candidate for this fellowship is a highly motivated continuing graduate or undergraduate student from an underrepresented community.  She or he should have an excellent academic record and also have the following:

1. Outstanding research skills;
2. Demonstrated interest or experience in the nonprofit sector;
3. Excellent writing and communication skills;
4. Demonstrated financial need; and
5. American citizenship.

The student must be able to intern for 10-15 weeks at the Washington, DC, office of the Aspen Institute.  We generally expect that Fall and Spring internships will be part-time (10-20 hours per week) and Summer internships will be full-time.  All travel and housing costs must be covered by the student.

Fellowship Stipend:
A fellowship grant of between $2,500 and $5,000 will be awarded, depending on the recipient’s educational level, financial need, and time commitment.

Application Procedure:
There is no application form for this fellowship.  Please send:

1) a letter of interest (include information about dates of availability for the fellowship);
2) a resume;
3) a transcript;
4) documentation from university financial aid office demonstrating financial need; and
5) two letters of reference to:

Lauren Stebbins, Senior Program Assistant
The Aspen Institute
One Dupont Circle, Suite 700
Washington, DC, 20036
lauren.stebbins@aspeninstitute.org

Applications are considered three times annually based on the timing of applicants’ availability:

Internship Availability	Application Deadline	Award Notification
Spring 2008	December 15, 2007	January 15, 2008
Summer 2008	March 15, 2008	April 15, 2008
Fall 2008	July 15, 2008	August 15, 2008

Late applications will be accepted but may not receive full consideration.