2027 Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholarship

2027 Phi Beta Kappa Key into Public Service Scholarship
 

The Phi Beta Kappa Society is a leading national advocate for the value of arts and sciences education. Our Key into Public Service program and scholarship opportunity highlights the wide range of opportunities for arts, humanities, natural science, social science, and mathematics majors to pursue rewarding careers in local, state, and federal government.
 

Students who attend a college or university with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter or an affiliated institution can apply, regardless of Phi Beta Kappa membership status. Twenty Service Scholars will each receive a $7,600 undergraduate scholarship.

Selected students are required to participate in an educational conference taking place in Washington, D.C. from June 23-27, 2027. This conference will highlight pathways into a variety of public service careers, provide a mentoring conversation matched to recipient interest, and offer other networking opportunities. The Society is committed to providing access to opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in its programs and activities.

Examples of panels from previous conferences include preparing for graduate school and fellowships, working in federal/state/local government, and networking effectively as a public service professional. Please note:The scholarship and conference will NOT focus on nonprofit, NGOs, government consulting, think tanks, or lobbying positions. Learn more about the resources and information highlighted in previous years.

The deadline for submission of the application is Tuesday, January 19, 2027 at 11:59pm ET. The Society will notify successful applicants by April 30, 2027.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please contact help@mykaleidoscope.com. If you have questions about eligibility, letters of recommendation, or more, please review our Letter of Recommendation guide and FAQs page. If you still need assistance, contact advocacy@pbk.org. NOTE: Only use advocacy@pbk.org to contact Phi Beta Kappa staff. Using our website's general help desk will delay responses.

Selection Process

• Applicants must be enrolled at one of Phi Beta Kappa’s 290+ chapter institutions or affiliated institutions. Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is not required for eligibility. 
   
• Applicants should expect to graduate between 12/1/2027 and 8/1/2029. First-year students and seniors who will graduate in Spring/Summer 2027 are NOT eligible. 
   
• Successful applicants will demonstrate in their essays, activities, and letter of recommendation, 1) an interest in working in local, state, or federal government service; and 2) breadth and depth across the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
   
• Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 while demonstrating academic excellence in your arts, humanities, mathematics, natural science, or social science major.
   
• Applicants will also need to provide the name of a professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can attest to your academic achievements and interest in public service.
   
• Applicants must also commit to attend the conference for all award recipients taking place June 23-27, 2027 in Washington, D.C. This mandatory conference provides training and mentoring opportunities and showcases pathways from arts and sciences education into active citizenship and public service. The Society will provide transportation, lodging, and meal per diems.

We strongly encourage you to learn more about Phi Beta Kappa’s work as an advocate for the arts and sciences before completing your application. Phi Beta Kappa is committed to highlighting the value of expertise in the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences in service to communities and to the nation. We see the recognition and support of Service Scholars as integral to these goals.

Preferred Characteristics for Applicants:

• Intellectual Curiosity: Ideas excite you and you learn from many viewpoints. You are passionate about your arts and sciences education, and eager to learn more about the world around you.
   
• Breadth and Interdisciplinary Depth: You demonstrate academic excellence in your arts, humanities, mathematics, natural science, or social science major with a minimum 3.5 grade point average. In addition, you also take a range of coursework outside your primary field of interest as demonstrated in your transcript and can communicate why a well-rounded education matters. 
   
• Leadership: You can identify how you influence others positively, either on or off campus through academic research, campus extracurricular activities, internships, employment, or community organizing.
   
• Service to Others: You would like to pursue a career in local, state, or federal service to serve the common good. You can show a meaningful commitment to others by your participation in volunteer/community service activities. 

Please note: There is no internship program associated with this scholarship. Scholarship recipients are required to participate in the in-person conference in Washington, D.C. from June 23-27, 2027 to receive the academic award.