External Opportunities

Compiled by Robert Ledbetter

AmeriCorps Programs

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps

For more information contact:
Jolene Harrell (Local Recruiter) - questionas@americorps.org

Anyone between the ages of 18 and 24 can apply for this program. Each person will be assigned to one of the following campuses: Charleston, SC; Washington, DC; Perry Point, Md.; Denver Colo.; or Sacramento, Calif. Service lasts for 10 months during which volunteers receive a modest living allowance. Upon completion of service, volunteers will receive a $4,725 education award to help pay for college, graduate school, vocational school or to help pay off student loans.

Applications are available through the Web site: http://www.americorps.org/joining/nccc.html.

AmeriCorps VISTA

For more information contact:
Jolene Harrell (Local Recruiter) - questionas@americorps.org

To be eligible for this program you must have a college degree or at least three years of work experience. Volunteers will be assigned to a nonprofit organization of the term of one year. Training, a living allowance, health insurance, and relocation expenses will be provided. At the end of the service term volunteers will either receive a $4,725 education award or an end-of-service stipend of $1,200. Applications are available through the Web site: http://www.americorps.org/joining/vista.html.

Goldwater Scholarship

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence In Education Foundation
6225 Brandon Avenue, Suite 315
Springfield, VA 22150-2519
Phone: 703-756-6012
Web site: www.act.org/goldwater

Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence In Education Foundation was founded by Congress in 1986 to honor Senator Barry M. Goldwater, who served his country from 56 years as a soldier and statesman, including 30 years of service in the U.S. Senate. To be eligible for this scholarship, students must be a sophomore or a junior who has at least a “B” average; is in the top forth of his or her class; and intends to pursue a degree in the fields of science, mathematics or engineering. Each scholarship covers eligible expFebruary 9, 2007 2:56 PM9, 2007 2:34 PM>Mellon Fellowship

Web site: www.woodrow.org/mellon

The Mellon Fellowship provides a full first- year funding for the Ph.D. program pf the recipient’s choice plus a $17,500 stipend. To be eligible applicants must be in one of the many fields in the humanities and entering a terminal Ph.D. program. Online applications are available via the Web site.

Peace Corps

World Wise Schools
1111 20th Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20526
Phone: 1-800-424-8580
E-mail: wwsinfo@peacecorps.gov
Web site: www.peacecorps.gov

Volunteers work in areas such as education, youth outreach and community development, the environment and information technology. Peace Corps terms last 27 months, and volunteers are paid for their services.

Rhodes Scholarship

Kenneth J. Panton
Honors College Dean, The University of Southern Mississippi
Phone: (601) 266-4533
E-mail: Kenneth.Panton@usm.edu
Web site: www.rhodesscholar.org

Thirty-two Rhodes scholars are chosen each year from universities around the United States. Rhodes scholars are elected for at least two years of study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. All educational costs are paid for by the Rhodes trustees and other opportunities are available to hear grants for research purposes or study related travel.

Teach for America

315 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 1-800-832-1230
Web site: www.teachforamerica.org

This program provides college graduates with the opportunity to teach for two years in low-income school systems. Teachers are paid yearly salaries paid directly by the school district in which they will work and are typically paid the same salaries as other beginning teachers.

Truman Scholarship

Dr. Thomas J. Richardson
Professor of English, The University of Southern Mississippi
Phone: (601) 266-4319
E-mail: Thomas.Richardson@usm.edu
Web site: www.truman.gov

The Truman Scholarship is a $26,000 merit-based grant awarded to undergraduates who plan to attend graduate or professional school in preparation of careers in government, the nonprofit sector or elsewhere in public service. Candidates need to have extensive records of public and community service, outstanding leadership potential and be in the upper quarter of their junior class. The Foundation awards 75-80 Truman Scholarships each year.

For more scholarships, check your specific college.

Robert Ledbetter is a freshman pre-nursing major and hopes to be accepted in the Nursing program in his junior year. He is a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity,the Honors College, the Residence Life Judicary Board, and is the founder of Southern Mississippi United Together Club.