Herbert Roback Scholarship

The late Herbert Roback was a highly respected public servant. During his 34-year career, he encouraged talented and promising students to consider lifetime careers in the public service. To honor Mr. Roback, his family and friends established the Herbert Roback Scholarship Fund to perpetuate his work.

To fulfill this goal, the Academy annually awards one scholarship up to $7,500 to a graduate student currently enrolled, or admitted for enrollment, in a full-time accredited master’s degree program in public administration, public and international affairs, public policy, and/or political science.

The scholarship fund is administered by the National Academy of Public Administration, which is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization of which Herbert Roback was a distinguished Fellow.

The scholarship recipient is invited to the annual meeting of the National Academy of Public Administration, held each November. During the meeting, the recipient is formally recognized before the gathered Fellows and distinguished guests of the Academy.

Scholarship Eligibility and Application

Students who meet the criteria of enrollment and discipline from a university in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area, the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, Brandeis University, the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton, John Jay College at CUNY, SUNY - Albany, Binghamton, Brockport or from New York University are eligible to be nominated.

Nominations must be submitted to the Scholarship Committee by the student’s school; self-nominations are not accepted. The school must submit on behalf of the student:

1. Undergraduate and graduate transcripts

2. A biographical resume or curriculum vitae

3. A 500-word statement describing student’s professional interest

4. Two letters of recommendation from professors

5. Cover letter from the Dean, School and/or Department is strongly encouraged

Selection Criteria

Selection of the scholarship winner is made by a Scholarship Committee composed of individuals who are knowledgeable about graduate education, the requirements and needs of the public service, and those qualities a successful careerist should possess.

This Scholarship Committee of Academy Fellows reviews the nominations and makes the award, based upon a number of factors. Ultimately, they look for those individuals who show the greatest potential for excellence in a career of public administration.

Timeline for Submission

Each school must transmit complete nomination packages (two per university) to the National Academy of Public Administration by May 31, 2026.