Jackson School of International Studies (JSIS) undergrads can now further their international policy experience even more, thanks to the establishment of the Donald C. and Margery S. Hellmann Scholar award, an annual gift that will be bestowed on one student each academic year. Read more here about Professor Emeritus and Japan expert Donald C. Hellmann, who also founded the Donald C. Hellmann Task Force Program at the Jackson School, a senior capstone, hands-on experience in foreign policymaking for all Jackson School majors.
PURPOSE
The Donald C. and Margery S. Hellmann Scholar award will provide a $5,000 stipend to support the education and training of a Jackson School undergraduate major with demonstrated excellence in international studies, a clear interest in a career in international affairs, and with a strong and creative commitment to promoting the international public good.
For example, consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated strong interest in working with diplomatic missions, government offices, companies, or foundations/think tanks dedicated to foreign policy or international issues. The awardee will be designated as the Jackson School’s Donald C. and Margery S. Hellmann Scholar for the duration of the 2026-27 academic year.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must be current undergraduate majors in the Jackson School (in any JSIS major) who are graduating seniors in the 2026-27 academic year.
JSIS majors include:
- International Studies,
- Asian Studies,
- Comparative Religion,
- European Studies,
- Jewish Studies, and/or
- Latin American and Caribbean Studies
APPLICATION
The application for the 2026-2027 academic year will open after Spring Quarter 2026, and applications MUST be submitted by August, 2 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Applicants must submit the following items on the JSIS Student Application System.
- Resume
- A 1-2 page personal statement, double-spaced. This statement should explain:
- The applicant’s academic and professional interests, experience, and aspirations or plans (as they relate to foreign policy)
- How this scholarship would make a difference in the applicant’s academic and professional development over the course of their senior year
- The applicant’s post-graduation goals
- One reference
- Unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended
The Hellmann Scholar Committee will evaluate applicants based on the strength of their academic record, their personal statement, and their letter of recommendation.
Meet the past Hellmann Scholars!
- Tin Pak, Nora VanRees (2025-2026)
- Fern Hinrix, Safaa Turner-Rahman (2024-2025)
- Taisha Naomi Bayliss, Brennan Chang, Milan Hortencia Suárez (2023-2024)
- Julie Wagoner (2022-2023)
- Caitlin Quirk (2021-2022)
- Arwa Mokdad (2020-2021)
- Gabriel Collins (2019-2020)
- Maya Sullivan (2018-2019)
Please reach out with any questions to jsisscholar@uw.edu.
