Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides $30,000 stipends to graduating college seniors to pursue public service anywhere in the world. The Award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career.

Eligibility

All graduating students from accredited U.S. colleges are invited to apply by January 9, 2026.

Selections

Awards will be based on the quality of the proposal, academic record, and other personal achievements. Finalists will be personally interviewed prior to selection of the award recipient(s).

Award

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides $30,000 for a one-year public service project: $15,000 is awarded at the start of the project; and $15,000 awarded upon receipt of a six-month progress report.

Proposals Requested

Students are encouraged to develop their own proposals for public service in the U.S. or abroad. The proposal may encompass any activity that furthers the public good. It can be undertaken by the student alone or working through established charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or other public service organizations. Please check our FAQs for additional information.

The safety of our Award recipients and beneficiaries is paramount. The committee is therefore prepared to allow some flexibility on proposal details (timing, travel, costs, etc.) to mitigate any safety risks.

Download the Application Form

Along with the application, please submit the following documents. All should be submitted together, except the three letters of recoomendation may be submitted separately.

1. A brief abstract of the proposal (no more than 100 words)
2. Proposal in 1,000 words or less, including
   1. Brief statement of need for the project (no more than a few sentences)
   2. Specific measurable target objectives;
   3. Schedule for project tasks;
   4. Sustainability of the project.
3. Budget (your application will be viewed more favorably if a significant portion of the funds is devoted to your project; award monies not to be used for student loan repayment).
4. Three letters of recommendation (each one-page only)
5. Transcript (official)
6. Résumé

Application Process

Application and items 1-6 above must be submitted by January 9, 2026. The Award will be granted by late April.