Scholarships

The department emails current students with up-to-date information on the John T. Batchelder Scholarship, the Paul B. Henry Congressional Internship, as well as other current scholarships and opportunities for political science students. If you have any questions, please email us: [email protected].  

We work closely with GVSU's Office of Fellowships to help students compete for national scholarships and fellowships. Consult the Office of Fellowships for detailed information on opportunities related to social sciences, public service, the environment, international study and graduate school.
 

JOHN T. BATCHELDER SCHOLARSHIP

The John T. Batchelder scholarship is funded by a generous grant from the Batchelder family. The scholarship honors Dr. John Thayer Batchelder who served as a Grand Valley State University professor until his retirement in 1997.

The main requirements are:
-political science major
-3.3. overall and major GPA
-entering junior year carrying at least 55 credits
-submit a transcript and one page essay

Applications are accepted via GVSU's Scholarship Universe.

 

ADAM M. MALSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Timothy R. Zeeb, who graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 2002 with a major in International Relations and minors in Political Science and German, has established the Adam M. Malson Memorial Scholarship in honor of his dear friend and fallen hero, 1st Lieutenant Adam M. Malson.

The purpose of this scholarship is to assist a student in Political Science or International Relations with the cost of their education. To qualify for this scholarship, students must:

  • Be accepted for or currently enrolled at GVSU
  • Be an undergraduate student enrolled full-time (12 credit hours or more) with a major in Political Science or International Relations
  • Student should be making university Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
  • Preference will be given to students with military service

Applications are accepted via GVSU's Scholarship Universe.

 

THE GV IN DC SCHOLARSHIP

The GV in DC Endowed Scholarship, a joint project of the DC Alumni Chapter and the Political Science Department, helps Grand Valley students study and intern in Washington, D.C. Our partnership with the Washington Center is just one of the ways that current students can pursue unique learning opportunities and continue their professional development in our nation's capital.

To qualify students must:
*be accepted for or currently enrolled at GVSU
*be an undergraduate student
*be enrolled in a University-approved internship opportunity in Washington, DC.
*be making satisfactory academic progress according to the norms established by the University and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Preference will be given to candidates who are the first in their family to earn a four year degree (a first generation student). Financial need may be considered but is not required, and shall be demonstrated by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications are accepted via GVSU's Scholarship Universe

 

PAUL B. HENRY CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP

Every year the GVSU Department of Political Science runs the Henry Internship competition. The Henry Internship places a GVSU student -- the Henry Scholar -- in the Washington, D.C., offices of one of Michigan's Representatives or Senators during the spring/summer academic session. The Paul B. Henry Foundation pays a stipend of at least $2,000 to defray the costs of travel and living expenses, and interns get academic credit for their work. The GVSU Alumni Association's DC Chapter adds a special dimension to the program through mentorship and support of GVSU interns.

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible, students must have completed a minimum of 55 credits by the end of the Winter semester before the summer and are expected to make a brief presentation about their experiences at GVSU.

Applications are accepted via GVSU's Scholarship Universe.

 

JOHN H. LOGIE FELLOWS PROGRAM

The John H. Logie Fellows Program, administered by the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, provides an opportunity for Grand Valley Students to contribute to Grand Rapids city government.The award provides students with a paid fellowship of $2,500 and up to 3 credits of internship, practicum, independent study, or independent research tuition-free. 

News

Outstanding Paper Award

Outstanding Paper Award

Nancy Boyd wins the PLS/IR Outstanding Paper Award.

Apr 16, 2025

Excellence in a Discipline Award

Excellence in a Discipline Award

The GVSU Political Science Department and the International Relations program congratulate Carly Stengel (IR) and Isabella Grunwaldt (PLS), winners of the Excellence-in-a-Discipline awards for their respective majors.

Apr 15, 2025

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Outstanding Student Paper Competition

Eligibility is open to all students who major in political science or international relations.

Feb 26, 2025

Victor Cardenas '00 2024 Alumni Service Award Recipient

Victor Cardenas '00 2024 Alumni Service Award Recipient

Victor Cardenas' life has been characterized by service to the public and Grand Valley. Cardenas graduated from GVSU in 2000 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He earned a master's degree in public affairs from Indiana University and executive

Sep 30, 2024

Professor Zinman Publishes New Book

Professor Zinman Publishes New Book

Professor Zinman's new book, America's First Wartime Election, is set to release this November. This will be his second book published with the University Press of Kansas.

Sep 25, 2024

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Events

GVSU Education & Teacher Fair 2025

April 22, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Meet with district representatives to discuss opportunities for teachers, psychologists/school counselors, speech pathologists, therapists, social workers, coaches, and more! Bring resumes and dress...

Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Celebration of Graduates

April 24, 2025 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

This spring, we are thrilled to celebrate the newest class of Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Fellows. As our 2025 graduates prepare to enter the next season of life, we will gather to celebrate the...

Secchia Breakfast Lecture - Adapting to 2025 Global Tariffs

May 2, 2025 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Tariffs are making frontline news since the beginning of 2025. What does this mean to businesses buying and selling around the world? How are the rapid changes in global tariffs impacting business...

GVSU Night: Rockies vs. Tigers game

May 7, 2025 6:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Join your fellow Lakers in Denver for an evening of baseball, community, and Laker pride as we cheer on the Detroit Tigers against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field! We’ll be sharing...

60th Anniversary of Education at GVSU

May 7, 2025 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

The College of Education and Community Innovation and the Education Alumni Network are celebrating 60 years of education programs at Grand Valley State University. This May we will be inviting alumni,...

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Page last modified February 14, 2024