Furman University Public Policy Scholarship Opportunities: A Comprehensive Guide

Furman University offers several scholarship programs designed to support and train students interested in pursuing careers in public policy. These scholarships provide financial assistance, mentorship, and unique learning experiences to help students become effective leaders and policymakers. This article delves into the details of the Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program, along with other related scholarship opportunities available to both incoming and current students.

The Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program

The Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program is an innovative and experience-based initiative aimed at training and supporting exceptional students passionate about careers in the public policy sector. The program distinguishes itself through its emphasis on individualized academic planning and advising. Faculty and administration collaborate closely with students to secure placements for their 1L and 2L summers, offering opportunities to engage in public policy issues at the local, state, national, and international levels. Furthermore, students receive support in securing their post-graduate career placement, and each scholar is paired with a faculty mentor.

Key Features of the Program

The Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program offers a range of unique opportunities:

1L Summer: Furman Public Policy Scholars benefit from NYU Law School-funded public policy internships.
2L or 3L Spring Semester: All Furman Public Policy Scholars participate in NYU Law’s seminar on Communicating Academic Work to Policymakers, taught by Lily Batchelder. This seminar focuses on translating policy proposals into shorter written pieces, such as fact sheets, policy briefs, and op-eds, tailored for policymakers, thought leaders, and the press.
3L Fall Semester in DC: Furman Public Policy Scholars have the opportunity to spend a semester in Washington, DC, either in NYU Law's Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic or in another policy position. For certain students, the 3L semester may be an opportunity to work on a political campaign or initiative, with faculty supervision. The Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic is taught by former White House Counsel Robert Bauer and Sally Katzen, who held a number of senior positions in the Clinton administration. Students work four days a week in a federal agency or government office, and also attend a weekly seminar as well as special sessions with senior government officials and guest lecturers.
Focus on Advising: The program emphasizes individualized academic planning and advising. Each scholar works closely with a faculty adviser in his or her specific policy field.

Expectations of Scholars

Scholars are expected to actively participate in regular public-policy oriented discussion sessions throughout the year. They will also engage in a half-semester seminar focused on transforming policy proposals into shorter, impactful works geared towards policymakers, thought leaders, and the press. A guaranteed placement in the Legislative and Regulatory Process Clinic in DC during their 3L year is another key component of the program.

Criteria for Selection

The selection process for the Furman Public Policy Scholarship considers several factors:

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Commitment to public policy work: Demonstrated through previous work history, campus activism, related internships, relevant research or thesis topics, and the required application essay.
Demonstrated leadership ability.
Diversity of public policy interests and background experience and knowledge.

Application Instructions

The priority deadline for all programmatic scholarships is December 1, and all scholarship applications must be submitted no later than January 1. Applicants are required to submit, along with their JD application, an additional essay (no more than 500 words) that describes their interest in public policy and the specific public policy areas they wish to pursue with their law school training. A recommendation letter that speaks to the applicant's interest or experience in public policy is also required.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities at Furman University

Beyond the Furman Public Policy Scholarship Program, Furman University offers a variety of other scholarships that may be relevant to students interested in public policy.

Scholarships for Incoming Students

Root-Tilden-Kern Public Interest Scholarship Program: NYU Law’s flagship public interest scholarship, established more than 50 years ago, awards full tuition to 20 scholars selected for their commitment to working in public service, their academic merit, and leadership potential.
Sinsheimer Service Scholarship: The Sinsheimer Service Scholarship pays full tuition each year for a student of outstanding academic merit and leadership potential who demonstrates a strong commitment to providing direct representation to low-income individuals in civil legal matters, and promises to pursue such work in the United States for at least three years.
Latinx Rights Scholar Program: Each year the Latinx Rights Scholar Program awards two full-tuition scholarships to incoming law students who intend to pursue careers that promote justice for the Latinx community. Scholars are chosen on the basis of commitment to public service, leadership potential and academic excellence.
James B. Duke Scholarship: The Duke Scholarship represents the pinnacle of academic recognition at Furman, awarded annually to incoming first-year students who demonstrate exceptional academic accomplishments, significant leadership experience, and meaningful service to their communities. Select students will be invited in early February to attend a Scholarship Interview Event in March. The Scholarship Committee identifies finalists for the James B. Duke Scholarship and extends invitations for an interview. Academic record: In past years, finalists have taken the most challenging curriculum available to them, including honors and AP classes, IB or other advanced curriculum choices. A’s dominate the transcripts of finalists. Extracurricular involvement: Finalists typically are involved in many activities outside the classroom. They hold significant leadership positions in their school or community and display exceptional creativity, commitment and enthusiasm in all they do.
Joseph A. Vaughn Scholarship: Eligibility: Current South Carolina residents who demonstrate academic excellence and strong commitment to leadership, service, and resilience.
Charles H. Townes Scholarship: Selection Criteria: Students residing outside South Carolina who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership experience, and commitment to community impact.
John D. Hollingsworth Scholarships: recognize outstanding South Carolina students who combine academic achievement with a demonstrated commitment to community service and civic engagement. As committee members review your admission application, they look for South Carolina-area scholars who have demonstrated a passion for helping others and making an impact in their communities. Candidates have demonstrated strong leadership skills and hope to continue a high level of civic engagement while attending Furman.

Your journey toward a merit scholarship starts with your application for admission.

Scholarships for Current Students

Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Program: The mission of the Arthur Garfield Hays Civil Liberties Program is to mentor a new generation of lawyers dedicated to redressing historic inequalities, resisting injustice, and protecting democratic institutions. Merit-based scholarships support students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.

External Scholarship Opportunities

Harry S. Truman Scholarship: The United States Congress established the Harry S. Truman Scholarship competition in 1975 to honor the nation’s 33rd president. About 70 scholarships are awarded annually to college juniors; the competition is based on state of home residence, and at least one scholarship is awarded to each state and to the American territories. A few at-large scholarships are awarded. The application consists of a transcript (students must be in the upper quarter of their college classes, but a 3.6 or above GPA is expected), information about activities, a series of paragraph-long responses about leadership experiences and career goals, an essay on an issue of public policy, and three letters of recommendation, plus the university’s letter of endorsement. U.S. citizens with excellent grades, documented leadership, public service activities (especially working on campaigns or for someone in politics), and a record of community service who wish to earn a degree that will lead to a career in the public or private nonprofit sector should consider applying for a Truman Scholarship. References: Three letters of recommendation, plus a university endorsement, written by the Truman Faculty Representative, are required. One letter must discuss the candidate’s potential for graduate study; one, potential for public service; one must address the leadership experience the candidate has described.

The Importance of Financial Aid and Endowments

Furman has stood out in this crowded field by investing more than $65 million in financial aid annually. To secure our strength in this hyper-competitive sector, we must leverage the promise of CLEARLY FURMAN and build a recurring resource for investing in our students and their future. An endowed fund provides scholarships to improve the lives of students and establish a legacy of support for future generations.

Examples of giving opportunities include:

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$100,000 (payable over 3-5 years)
$250,000 (payable over 3-5 years)
An annual scholarship provides the financial support students need to complete their education.
$20,000 (payable over 4 years)
$60,000 (payable over 4 years)

Named Endowed Scholarships

Joseph A. Vaughn Endowed Scholarship: This endowed fund was established in recognition of the first African-American undergraduate student to enroll at Furman. It provides need-based financial aid for students in geographic proximity to the historic locations of Furman throughout South Carolina.
Endowed Named Scholarship for Bridges to a Brighter Future Graduates: An endowed named scholarship for a graduate of the Bridges to a Brighter Future program to attend Furman. Bridges to a Brighter Future is a comprehensive college access and success program for Greenville County high school and college students whose potential outdistances their circumstances.

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