Mitchell Scholarship
The George J. Mitchell Scholarship was established in 1998 in honor of former US Senator Mitchell who served as chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland. The scholarship is administered by the US-Ireland Alliance and aims to interest the next generation of American leaders in the island of Ireland.
Up to twelve Mitchell Scholars are chosen annually for one year of postgraduate study in any discipline offered by institutions of higher learning in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The Mitchell Scholars Program provides tuition, housing and stipends for living expenses and international travel.
- Candidates must be US citizens.
- Candidates must be between 18 and 30 on Oct. 1 of the year in which they apply.
- Candidates must complete a bachelor's degree before beginning study as a Mitchell Scholar.
The application consists of five sections: Personal Information; Education and Employment; Registration of Recommenders/Institutional Endorser; Awards and Activities; and Personal Statement. All materials must be submitted online; the following supplemental materials are required:
- 1000-word personal essay
- Four letters of recommendation (Three letters must be academic)
- Institutional endorsement (if a full-time student at the time of application)
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of US citizenship
- Photograph
- Applicants must include an image scan of their signature
- Indicate university choices and field of study options within the application package
Mitchell candidates are judged on three criteria:
- Academic excellence and intellectual distinction. Although the Scholarship program does not require a minimum GPA, it is understood that a prospective candidate must have the academic ability and preparation to succeed in a postgraduate program.
- An outstanding record of leadership which may be evidenced through a variety of activities and accomplishments.
- A record of and sustained commitment to service and community, on campus, locally, nationally, or internationally.
Successful applicants will have a clearly articulated reason for studying in Ireland and a solid understanding of the research they will do in a specific graduate program.
- University of Idaho Deadline: August (contact Distinguished Scholarships Coordinator for exact date)
- Foundation Deadline: September (see foundation website for exact date)
The online application typically opens in April. Applications require an institutional endorsement; materials are due to the Distinguished Scholarships Coordinator by the U of I internal deadline. All application materials are due to Mitchell online by the foundation deadline. Semi-finalist Skype interviews will take place late October. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC during the third weekend in November for interviews with the Selection Committee. Twelve candidates will be selected to become Mitchell Scholars.