The George J. Mitchell Scholarships were established in 1998, by the U.S.-Ireland Alliance, to "educate future American leaders about the island of Ireland-North and South-and to provide tomorrow's leaders with an understanding about, an interest in, and an affinity with, the island from which 44 million Americans claim descent."

The Scholarship is named in honor of former Senator George J. Mitchell who served as Chairman of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland in the mid-1990s. The first group of Mitchell Scholars began their studies in Ireland and Northern Ireland in fall 2000. Scholars are eligible to attend institutions of higher learning in Ireland, including the seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and the two universities in Northern Ireland, for one academic year of post-graduate study.

The Award

The universities participating in the Mitchell Scholarships cover tuition and room for the Scholar. In addition, each Scholar will receive a stipend to cover other necessary expenses for the term of study. This stipend will be paid in two equal parts directly to the scholar. The US-Ireland Alliance will assist successful applicants with their traveling expenses to and from Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Eligibility

Applicants for the Mitchell Scholarships must:

be U.S. Citizens
be aged eighteen or over but not yet thirty on October 1 in the year of application
have academic standing sufficient to assure completion of a Bachelor's degree before they begin
receive the endorsement of Stanford University.

Prospective Scholars must have a demonstrated record of intellectual distinction, leadership, and extra-curricular activity, as well as personal characteristics of honesty, integrity, fairness, and unselfish service to others which indicate a potential for future leadership and contribution to society.

There are no restrictions as to academic field of study though the proposed course of study must be available at the university elected by the applicant and the applicant's undergraduate program must provide sufficient basis for study in the proposed field.

The Application

All Stanford students currently enrolled MUST apply through the ORC. Recent graduates can either be endorsed through the university process or by their employer. If you choose to be endorsed by your employer, services available at the ORC will be limited.

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