Scholarships & Awards

Scholarships

 

For students who are the first in their immediate family to pursue an undergraduate education (e.g. neither parent/guardian have completed a four-year degree in the United States). Open to all students majoring in Integrative Studies, Human Development and Family Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and Bachelor of Individualized Study.

Funds towards students participating in Experiential Learning opportunities such as internships and study abroad. Open to all students majoring in Integrative Studies, Human Development and Family Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and Bachelor of Individualized Study.

For leaders who contribute to the community. Open to all students majoring in Integrative Studies, Human Development and Family Science, Environmental and Sustainability Studies, and Bachelor of Individualized Study.

 

Drs. Surya and Cecil Howard Book Fund ($500 Open only to INTS majors)

Application opens: February 1st, 2024

Submission Deadline: April 7th, 2024

Description: The purpose of the Award is to provide support for students majoring in Integrative Studies (INTS) within the School of Integrative Studies (SIS) to buy textbooks, laptops, and other school related supplies such as headsets, webcams, etc. Recipients must demonstrate characteristics of perseverance and generosity; traits exemplified by SIS faculty Dr. Susan Howard’s late parents Surya and Cecil. Surya Howard overcame gender and cultural barriers to become one of the first female dentists, not only in her home country of India, but in the US in the 1950s. Cecil Howard conducted early research on challenges of ‘re-entry culture shock’ particularly among children and teens returning to the US from their parents’ overseas postings and became a mentor and father figure to thousands of students as a college professor over a period of 40 years.  He is characterized by his warmth, compassion, generosity and kindness. 

Qualifications: Applicants to the fund  must answer the following prompts: “Please describe a time you demonstrated perseverance to overcome a challenge or pursue a dream” and “Generosity comes in many forms: time, self, spirit, etc., please describe how you define generosity and have demonstrated it in the past or how you plan to be generous in the future.” Applicants must be undergraduate students majoring in Integrative Studies within the School of Integrative Studies and in good academic standing (GPA of 2.0 or higher).  Applicants may be enrolled full-time or part-time, and may be in-state or out-of-state students. Preference will be given to applicants who are immigrants or children of immigrants from a developing country.  

Click HERE to apply! Deadline is April 7th, 2024!

 

Jon Sultan Writing Award ($1,000 - Open to INTS, EVSS and HDFS Freshman only)

Application opens: December 1st, 2023

Submission Deadline: April 7th, 2024

This award is open to all freshman students who have declared an Integrative Studies, Human Development and Family Science or Environmental and Sustainability Studies majors. Mr. Steven A. Sultan and Mrs. Susan E. Sultan established the Jon Sultan Writing Award in memory of their son, Jon, who was a valuable member of the first Integrative Studies cohort in 1995. The Sultan Award winner receives $1,000. Students must apply and submit writing sample materials in order to be considered. 

How to apply:

Students who wish to compete for the Sultan Award will use the link below to submit their application. The submission should include a piece of written work (this can include more traditional essays as well as multi-media projects with a substantial written component, such as digital stories) completed in the first year at Mason with a short introduction (500 words maximum) that explains your choice of writing sample, focusing in particular on how it showcases your talent and versatility as a writer.

Click here to apply!

Criteria for writing sample:

The writing sample submitted must altogether show evidence of the following:

  1. Well-reasoned arguments that are supported by logic and evidence
  2. Overall strong foundational elements of writing 
  3. A comprehensive knowledge of the subject matter and principles treated in the student’s learning communities
  4. Creativity – a high degree of originality and independence of thought 
  5. A superior ability to organize, analyze, and synthesize ideas 
  6. An outstanding ability to communicate these ideas (through language, composition, excellent grammar, and accurate use of citations)

Judges:

The panel of judges will consist of SIS faculty and staff members. They will convene shortly after the deadline to evaluate and select a winner, who will be announced before the end of the spring semester.

 

First Generation Scholarship ($500 - $1,000)

Application opens: February 1st, 2024

Submission Deadline: April 7th, 2024

Description: The School of Integrative Studies First Generation Student Scholarship is open to George Mason University students enrolled in Integrative Studies, Human Development & Family Science, Bachelors of Individualized Studies (BIS), or Environmental Sustainability Studies degrees, who are the first in their immediate family to pursue an undergraduate education (e.g. neither parent/guardian have completed a four-year degree in the United States). Awards are given in consideration of financial need.

Qualifications for This Scholarship

  • Applicant must be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student at George Mason University.
  • Applicant must be majoring in Integrative Studies, BIS or Environmental Sustainability Studies.
  • Must be an undergraduate in good academic standing per university guidelines
  • Applicant must have a current FAFSA or Alternative Need form on file with Mason's Office of Student Financial Aid.
  • Must be a First-Generation Student as defined within FAFSA or Alternative Need form: The first in their family to attend college (neither birth or adoptive parents have completed a 4-year college degree).

How to Apply:

Apply through the Financial Aid Scholarships page(Click on Mason Scholarship Application link)

School of Integrative Studies Founders Endowed Scholarship ($1,000)

Application opens: December 1st, 2023

Submission Deadline: April 7th, 2024

Description: The School of Integrative Studies (SIS) Founder's Experiential Learning (EL) Scholarship is open to George Mason University students enrolled in Integrative Studies, Human Development & Family Science, BIS or Environmental Sustainability Studies degrees and registered to participate in an EL program such as Mason Study Abroad, Internship through Mason GEO, internship class INTS 490, or other EL experience with travel and/or academic costs associated, during the spring, summer, fall or winter semesters. Scholarship award is approximately $1,000 and based on the expense of program and strength of the student's application. Scholarships are need- and merit-based. Each applicant is carefully considered by the School of Integrative Studies Awards Committee. The Committee looks for applicants who have a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, and are passionate about their Experiential Learning program. Applicants are encouraged to share special circumstances, personal stories, or any other connections that demonstrate why and how the student will benefit from their chosen program and the scholarship award.

Scholarship awards are designed to supplement a student's funds during their chosen program.

Scholarships will not be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in a program or if the program is cancelled. Students who withdraw from their program after disbursement are required to repay the scholarship. 

Qualifications for This Scholarship

  • Applicant must be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student at George Mason University.
  • Applicant must be majoring in Integrative Studies, Human Development and Family Science, BIS or Environmental Sustainability Studies.
  • Applicant must be accepted to an EL program (Study Abroad, Alternative Break, Field Studies Course or other EL experience with travel and/or academic costs associated
  • Applicant must have a 2.5 or greater GPA.
  • Applicant must have a current FAFSA or Alternative Need form on file with Mason's Office of Student Financial Aid.

How to Apply:

Applications due by April 7th. Apply through the Financial Aid Scholarships page. (Click on Mason Scholarship Application link) 

Lucas Leadership Scholarship ($1,000)

Application opens: February 1st, 2024

Submission Deadline: April 7th, 2024

Description: The School of Integrative Studies (SIS) Lucas Leadership Scholarship honors the contribution and leadership of Dr. Nance Lucas during her tenure as Associate Dean. This scholarship is open to George Mason University students enrolled in Integrative Studies, Human Development & Family Science, BIS or Environmental Sustainability Studies degrees and demonstrate exceptional leadership and ethics in all areas of academic and personal life. This scholarship is renewable and may be used for tuition and fees and/or sponsored activities, but not travel expenses.

Qualifications:

  • Must be an undergraduate in good academic standing per university guidelines
  • Must be pursuing a degree in Integrative Studies, BIS or Environmental Sustainability Studies
  • Preference will be given to students who are verified members of a recognized non-profit group and who demonstrate leadership and service
  • May be either full or part-time students

Essay Prompt: Please tell us how you demonstrate exceptional leadership and ethics in all areas of your academic and personal life, with specific examples. Discuss any membership with non-profit organizations and/or student service groups.

How to Apply

Applications due by April 7th. Apply through the Financial Aid Scholarships page(Click on Mason Scholarship Application link)

This award is typically disbursed in December/January.