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 2025–2026 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 12, 2026
January 29, 2026
February 11, 2026
February 26, 2026
March 26, 2026
April 6–9, 2026
April 15, 2026
April 20, 2026
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, 2026 are encouraged to apply for the 2026–2027 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 2026 as well as a rotating elective in Spring 2027.
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 11, 2026.