Scholarships and Awards

Departmental Scholarships

De Kryger-Monsman Memorial Prize

This scholarship is a result of a gift to Calvin College by Mrs. Gerald Monsman in memory of her husband.

Criteria

Current Calvin junior political science or international relations major for use in the senior year at Calvin College
Academic achievement
Award amounts vary somewhat from year-to-year. The amount for 2009-10 is a total of $3,000.

De Kryger-Monsman Application Form applications must be turned in to the political science department office by March 13, 2009.

Charles Strikwerda Scholarship

The Charles Strikwerda Scholarship was established by the late John Van Dellen to honor his nephew, long-time political science department faculty member, Charles Strikwerda.

Criteria

Current Calvin sophomore or junior political science or international relations major
3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
Excellence both inside and outside of the classroom, as it is to be awarded to an "all-around good student who contributes significantly to the classroom and campus environment."
Award amounts vary somewhat from year to year. The amount for 2009-10 was $1,900.

Charles Strikwerda Scholarship Application application forms must be turned in to the political science department office by March 13, 2009.

Peace and Justice Scholarship

Calvin College alumnus Paul Hoffman established this scholarship fund in June 1987.

Criteria

Current Calvin sophomore or junior
Actively involved with global peace and justice issues, particularly related to the causes of war and conditions for peace in the nuclear age
Normally two scholarships are awarded each year
Award amounts vary somewhat from year to year. Each award for 2009-10 was $1,100.

Peace and Justice Scholarship Application Form application forms must be turned in to the political science department office by March 13, 2009.

Johan and Wilma Westra Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Dr. Johan G. and Wilma Westra. Dr. Westra was the first full-time political science professor at Calvin College and taught for many years. He also served as the pre-law advisor for more than 20 years. His wife, Wilma, served Calvin College as bookstore manager, executive secretary of the Alumni Association, Coordinator of Adult and Continuing Education, and as a volunteer Knollcrest Festival chairperson.

Criteria

Current Calvin sophomore or junior student
Political science major or be in the pre-law program
Special consideration is given to students active in volunteer work and interested in a career in public service
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
Renewable the following year if the recipient is still a student at Calvin and continues to meet the criteria for the scholarship
Some evidence of financial need
Amount varies somewhat from year to year. The amount for 2009-10 was $1,300.

Westra Scholarship Application Form application forms must be turned in to the political science department office by March 13, 2009.

The Lyle and Barbara (Duimstra) Voskuil Family Scholarship

In 2008 Barbara and Lyle Voskuil, graduates of Calvin College, established this scholarship to show their appreciation for the quality liberal arts education they received from Calvin College.

Criteria

Usually awarded alternately each year between a political science major and economics major
Current Calvin sophomore or junior
GPA of 3.0 or higher
Some evidence of financial need
Preference will be given to students who are interested in international and global relationships and values and how the world can work together (includes economics, law, finance, health care, education, etc.).
Renewable the following year if the recipient maintains a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Amount varies somewhat from year to year. The amount for 2009-10 was $1,500.

Voskuil Family Scholarship Application Form application forms must be turned in to the political science department office by March 13, 2009.

Dr. Bernard Zylstra, S.J.D., Memorial Scholarship

Gerrit and Carol Zylstra have established this scholarship to honor their brother Bernard Zylstra, former Professor of Political Theory and President of the Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto, Canada. Bernard Zylstra actively promoted the development of Christian political theory, and this scholarship is intended to support the continuation of the development of Christian political theory.

Criteria

Typically three scholarships are awarded but sometimes the scholarship is divided between four recipients.
Current Calvin sophomore or junior
History, philosophy or political science major
GPA of 3.0 or higher
1200 word essay that reflects on some article by Bernard Zylstra concerning political theory (article to be determined by chair of the history, philosophy or political science departments).
Applicants must provide a statement of potential career goals that indicates some relevance to political theory and of how this scholarship would help accomplish those career goals.
Amount varies somewhat from year to year. The amount for 2009-10 was $3,500 for each of the four recipients.

Zylstra Scholarship Application Form must be turned in to the political science department office by March 13, 2009.

Fox Fund Award

The Fox Fund is a supplemental travel grant established in 2004 by the political science department as a result of a gift from Rev. Joseph D. and Mrs. Barbara D. Fox to honor their son, Ben Fox.

Criteria

Current Calvin political science or international relations majors or minors with a financial needs.
To be used for transportation or related travel expenses to departmentally-sanctioned purposes (normally either for participation in Model United Nations or in a State/Local Internship).
A maximum of $100 is given to eligible students in any given academic year but students may apply in more than one year.

Fox Fund Application Form application forms must be turned in to the political science department office by October1 (for fall semester grants) or March 1, (for spring semester grants) of the academic year in which the funds are to be used.

Political Science Student Travel Funds

The political science department has a small amount of funds available for Calvin political science or international relations majors or minors traveling for department related purposes.

Political Science Student Travel Funds Application Form

Awards

Pi Sigma Alpha Award

Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students of political science, giving students the opportunity for valuable administrative experience.

Outside Scholarships

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Program

The Truman Scholarship provides up to $30,000 in funding to students pursuing graduate degrees in public service fields. Students must be college juniors at the time of selection. The Foundation also provides assistance with career counseling, internship placement, graduate school admissions, and professional development. Scholars are invited to participate in a number of programs: Truman Scholar Leadership Week, The Summer Institute, The Truman Fellows Program, and the Public Service Law Conference. Please visit the Truman Scholarship Web site for an overview of the programs the Foundation currently offers for Scholars or Ken Bratt, Calvin's Honors Program Director at kbratt at calvin.edu or 6-6296.

Gerald R. Ford Republican Women's Club

The Gerald R. Ford Republican Women's Club seeks to encourage women to become involved in the political process by awarding a Leadership Scholarship to that woman college student, from Kent County, who best exhibits the leadership style that is necessary for effective political involvement. To be eligible the applicant must be a female college student and a Kent County resident majoring or minoring in political science with a minimum GPA of 3.0. The application deadline is October 1. For additional information, contact the department chairperson.

Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship

The Robert R. Robinson Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a junior, senior or graduate student enrolled in a Michigan college or university. Applicants must be pursuing a degree in public administration, public affairs management, or some other field closely related to local government administration.