FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does the division of the $15,000 award work?
$8,000 of the award is designated as a PROJECT GRANT to fund the student's service project expenses. It should not affect a student a student's financial aid. Up to $7,000 of the award is now designated as a SCHOLARSHIP to be applied to the student's educational costs. Students who wish to spend more on their projects, may request that some of the Scholarship funds be added to their PROJECT GRANT funds. The foundation does withhold $2000 of the award until after the Scholar makes a Presentation the following April.
When are funds available?
The Foundation makes $13,000 of the award available in May of the award year. The remaining $2,000 can be designated as either SCHOLARSHIP or PROJECT GRANT, and will be paid out in April of the following year, after the Scholar Presentations. If desired, SCHOLARSHIP funds can be disbursed in August or September.
I'm a 4th year Junior, may I still apply?
Yes, we encourage sophomores, juniors, and 4th year students who have one more year of Undergraduate classes left, to apply.
Do you fund shared projects?
We have funded shared projects. We limit the sharing to two people, who will split the funds evenly. Each student should be in charge of a unique and separate aspect of the project and that should be clearly explained and described in the project proposal. Though only one proposal is submitted, each student needs to include an Application Summary, their own personal statement, their own resume, 2 Letters of Recommendation, Acceptance Agreement and transcripts.
Must I be a U.S. citizen to apply?
No, as long as you are a registered full-time student at one of our participating schools.
Are there any restrictions on travel?
Please don't plan a project in any country with a U.S. State Department Warning or Alert https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html, or a CDC Travel Warning https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.
Why is the application deadline at my school different from the one quoted on the Strauss Foundation's Bulletin of Information?
Each school has its own deadline date to accommodate their selection process. For candidates from our Original 14 schools, Campus Representatives and their selection committee decide on up to 3 applications to submit to the Foundation by the March deadline.