Strauss Foundation Scholarship

Award

Recipients will receive $15,000 to implement a year-length, sustainable public service project.  Up to $7,000 may be given to the recipient as a scholarship to cover educational expenses, with the remaining amount funding the service project expenses.


Scholar Responsibilities​​​​

  • Maintain satisfactory academic performance (upper 1/3 class).
  • Carry out the public service project.
  • Email a bimonthly report on the status of the project to the Foundation office.
  • Make at least one presentation on the Strauss Scholarship experience and the application process to an appropriate group at their school.
  • Attend a scholar meeting in October/November.
  • Attend an in person mandatory meeting in April.
  • Email a written assessment of the completed project to the Foundation office one week in advance of the April meeting. This summary should be limited to 2 pages, typed and 1.2 spaced.

Eligibility

  • The applicant is a full time student with one or two years remaining until
    graduation.​
  • The applicant has a GPA in the upper 1/3 of their class.​
  • The applicant has a desire to make a difference in local, regional, national, or international communities.

Application Guidance

The Strauss Foundation encourages you to apply if you meet all of the eligibility requirements. The Strauss Foundation recommends that applicants consult with the SJSU Center for Community Learning & Leadership (CCLL) for application feedback and guidance before submission of the final application. CCLL will consult on proposed projects, identify community partnerships, and review draft applications prior to December 8, 2025. Please email community.learning@sjsu.edu to set up an application consultation.

Application Summary

The application requires an innovative, original, public service proposal. Applicants will need to dedicate time and effort to submit a well-researched and compelling proposal. 

  • Application Summary
  • 1 page resume 
  • 1 page personal essay
    • Identifying applicant’s background, passions, “North Star”, relevant accomplishments, and why the project is meaningful for you.
  • Project Proposal
    • Must be submitted in a single PDF form, limited to 4 pages, including Budget and Timeline, typed with 1.5 spacing.
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation from individuals who are well acquainted with the student’s work (academic or service); these can be from the current academic institution, organizations (including community or public service organizations), former professors, employers, community representatives, etc.
    • If the project is to be done with a partner institution, a Letter of Support from that organization’s leadership.
  • Transcript(s) from all colleges attended; copies are acceptable.
  • Signed Acceptance Agreement

Application Deadline

February 9, 2026

Past Funded Projects

https://www.straussfoundationdb.org/projects/funded.php


Sample Proposals

https://www.straussfoundation.org/sample-projects


Scholarship Website

https://www.straussfoundation.org/apply