APPLY
Do not apply directly to the Strauss Foundation. Each pre-selected school has its own deadline for applications in January or February. The Selection Committee from your campus will submit up to three applications in early March; awards are announced by mid- April. $13,000 of the funds will be available May 1st.
The final $2000 will be given at the April Presentations.
Am I Eligible?
Are you a full-time student at one of our pre-selected four-year California colleges or universities?
Have one or two years remaining until graduation?
Have a GPA in the upper 1/3 of your class?
Have the desire to “make a difference” in local, regional, national or international communities?
Selection Criteria
Application Process
Check Internal Deadline (January or February) and contact Campus Representative
Complete Application Summary and submit, along with:
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One-page Resume - With current and past public service
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One-page Personal Essay
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A Project Proposal - Limited to 4 pages, including Budget and Timeline, using, at least 1.2 spacing. For 2021, a 5th page may be used to describe a "Plan B".
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2 Recommendations - If working with a partner organization, also submit their Letter of Support .
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Transcript - A photocopy is okay.
Maintain satisfactory academic performance (upper 1/3 class).
Carry out the public service project, emailing short,
bi-monthly updates, and a 2-page final assessment in April.
Attend a Regional Meeting in November, in either Northern or Southern California.
Attend a mandatory meeting of all Strauss Award recipients at UC Irvine in April and make a short presentation.
Serve as a Strauss Ambassador at your school, reaching out to encourage others to apply.
Demonstrated interest in public service.
Outstanding leadership potential.
Submitted an innovative public service project proposal.