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
Information about applying for the next class of
Shelby Scholars will be announced spring 2025.
FAQ
Yes! The Shelby Scholars program is interdisciplinary. Students from all majors and minors on campus are welcome to apply.
- Complete and pass the Shelby Scholars designated course for the corresponding semester. The Fall 2024 course is PSC 321-008. The class will begin Monday, September 23 for Fall II and is expected to meet on Mondays and Thursdays at 4 pm.
- Meet each semester with at least one of the Institute Directors to ensure that the student is up to date with Shelby Scholar requirements.
- Attend the annual Shelby Institute Distinguished Speaker event during the spring semester.
- Attend visiting lecturer events each semester.
- Complete an approved professional internship related to policy, leadership, or government (an approved internship course can take the place of this).
- Shelby Scholars who meet the outlined expectations will receive a stipend/award and, upon graduating, the Shelby Scholar designation.