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. This year we have limited spots available for transfer students graduating Spring 2026 (or later) as well as sophomore students graduating Winter 2026 (or later).

The application for all students open Monday, September 16, 2024 and close Monday, October 14th, 2024. Applicants will receive notification of whether they have been selected for an interview by noon on Thursday, October 31.

If selected as a finalist, small group interviews will be on Tuesday, November 12th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Please note: there is only one interview date and we are unable to make accommodations for schedule conflicts. (We encourage all applicants to put the interview time tentatively in their calendar to avoid conflicts. Interviews are scheduled in person in Mary Gates Hall; remote access is not guaranteed.)  

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 Winter 2027 (or later). 

2. Continuing second-year student at UW Seattle campus. You must be in your second year as a full-time student at UW with an anticipated graduation date of Winter 2026 (or later) 

3. Incoming transfer student at UW Seattle campus. This must be your first year as a full-time student at UW with an anticipated graduation of Spring 2026 (or later). 

4. 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.

5. 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

For more information on the application process, please reference the 2024 Robert Lee Ellis Fellowships Application Guide.

To apply, please review the application guide linked above and then fill out this form 2024 Ellis Civic Fellowship Application.