Non-Partisan | Credit Bearing | Interdisciplinary
The Shelby Scholars program is a credit-bearing leadership program for undergraduate students from any academic field who are passionate about public service. Shelby Scholars will receive exclusive programming, including an Institute-developed curriculum, experiential learning and personal interactions with prominent state and national guest lecturers. Members of the class will receive a monetary award for the 2024–2025 academic year and be recognized as founding scholars of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership.
Engaging Coursework
Shelby Scholars complete classes with motivated students from diverse academic fields who wish to expand their knowledge of public policy, politics, law, communications and economics.
Curated Experiences
Students receive personalized, career-oriented academic support and participate in year-round enrichment and experiential learning programs to enhance the undergraduate experience at the Capstone.
Guest Lecturers
Shelby Scholars engage with state and national leaders from government, private-sector, non-profit and other fields across the political spectrum.
Application Timeline
January 13, 2025
January 31, 2025
February 10, 2025
February 28, 2025
March 28, 2025
April 7–11, 2025
April 16, 2025
April 21, 2025
Application FAQ
Students from any college and major who will have completed at least 24 credit hours on the UA campus prior to May 6, 2025 are encouraged to apply for the 2025–2026 Shelby Scholars class.
Yes! The Shelby Scholars program is interdisciplinary. A political science or public policy program of study is not required. Students from all majors and minors on campus are welcome to apply.
Current Shelby Scholars are pursuing degrees in Advertising, Criminal Justice, Economics, English, Engineering, Finance, Marketing, Psychology, Public Relations, and more.
Shelby Scholars will be required to enroll in two designated 3-credit hour Shelby Institute
courses: Profiles in Leadership in Fall 2025 as well as The Constitution in American Life, taught by former UA Law Dean, Mark Brandon in Spring 2026.
Resumes should be comprehensive and highlight a student’s professional and extracurricular involvement both on and off campus. This includes participation in student organizations, student government, off-campus jobs, research labs, Greek life, internships, public service, and other relevant activities that demonstrate an interest in public policy and service, whether on or off campus.
When listing an organization or experience, it is important to include a brief description of the organization and its location. Additionally, the extent of involvement in each activity should be specified, such as whether the individual was an active member or held a leadership role.
Applicants selected as semifinalists will be notified of the essay topic via email on February 10, 2025.