The Robert Lee Ellis Civic Fellowship selects during their first year at the University on the basis of financial need, dedication towards service, personal growth, and leadership development. Selected freshmen students make a 4-year commitment toward fulfilling Fellowship expectations. Ellis Fellows are awarded annual scholarships throughout their four years at the UW. Application requirements and recommendations

Requirements

1. Incoming student at the UW Seattle campus. You must be in your first year as a full-time student at UW with an anticipated graduation date in 2029 (or beyond). 

2. Incoming transfer student at UW Seattle campus. This must be your first year as a full-time student at UW with an anticipated graduation date in 2027 (or beyond). 

3. Documented financial need as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Most students fill this requirement by filing a FAFSA or WAFSA for the current academic year. We also accept applications from those who are not eligible to file for federal or state financial aid but can document financial need through a written statement.

4. Committed to weaving public service and civic leadership development into your Husky Experience--including an effort to connect academic pursuits with community-engaged learning.

Recommendations

Successful fellows have been able to share the following interests. 

• A clear commitment to service as shown through past experiences.

• An interest in a particular social issue.

• Ideas about future goals and what you hope to gain as an Ellis Fellow.

Applying

To apply, please fill out this application form by end of day, Monday, October 20, 2025. 

Applicants will receive notification of whether they have been selected for an interview by Friday, October 31, 2025.  

If moved on to the next round in the selection process, there will be small group interviews on Thursday, November 6th 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. There is only one interview date and we are unable to make accommodations for schedule conflicts. (We encourage all applicants to tentatively put the interview time in their calendar to avoid conflicts. Interviews are scheduled in person in Mary Gates Hall; remote access is not guaranteed.)  

For more information on the application process, please reference the Robert Lee Ellis Fellowships Application Guide.