Scholarships

Every year, the History Department supports a number of student activities and scholarships through its endowed Drayer Fund.

Below is a list of the types of activities the Drayer Committee funds, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and steps you can take if you are interested in applying for funding. To apply for any of these funding opportunities, fill out this application.

Robert Young Memorial Scholarship for Asian Studies

The Robert Young Memorial scholarship was set up in memory of Dr. Young, a prof in History at WCU for 35 years before he retired in 2002 and died in 2010. He taught Asian history, specializing in India and South Asia. He made numerous trips there, including a stint in the Peace Corps in the 1960s, and brought WCU groups back and forth. Dr. Young's family donated the funds of this scholarship to support the education of future students of Asia. One award is planned for AY18-19, in the amount of $1,000.

The requirements:

  1. A focus on Asian History or Asian Philosophy;
  2. Junior-level undergraduate or higher;
  3. GPA 3.0 or higher;
  4. Priority to those who demonstrate financial need;
  5. At least one more semester to complete at WCU at the time the scholarship is awarded
  6. An essay of about 250 words addressing: (a) the reason(s) for interest in Asian History or Asian Philosophy and relevant courses; and (b) how you hope to apply your education after graduation.

Apply online. The deadline is Oct. 10, 2018. Results will be announced Oct. 30. Dr. Cecilia Chien is the contact person for any questions; other members of the Committee are Dr. Valerian DeSousa (SOC) and Dr. Jea Sophia Oh (PHI).

Graduate and Undergraduate End-of-Year Scholarships

Every spring, the Drayer fund allocates five Drayer Tuition Scholarships of up to $2,000 each, and six Drayer Book Scholarships of up to $500 each. Eligibility: Student must be a History major, have completed at least 30 credits and two WCU history courses at the time of application, and demonstrate academic merit.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 23, 2018, 11:59 PM

Helen Tapper Ivins Social Studies Certification Undergraduate Scholarship

Every spring, the Drayer fund allocates one Helen Tapper Ivins Scholarship of $1,250. Eligibility: Student must be enrolled in a BA History program with Teacher Certification, have completed at least 30 credits at the time of application, and have a GPA of at least 3.0. Students may apply for both a Drayer scholarship and an Ivins scholarship in the same year.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 23, 2018, 11:59 PM

Michael C. Grey Undergraduate Award

Every spring, the Drayer fund allocates one Michael C. Grey Award of $250. Eligibility: must be enrolled in a BA History program, have completed at least 54 credits at the time of application, have a GPA of at least 2.5, demonstrate concern for humanity or the environment with a record of community or extracurricular involvement, and be considering graduate studies. Students may apply for Drayer, Ivins, and Grey scholarships in the same year.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 23, 2018, 11:59 PM

Internship Support

Every year, the Drayer Fund provides varying levels of financial support for a limited number of history major internships. Eligibility: Student must be a history major, have completed at least 80 credits, and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Student must meet with history department internship coordinator to set up an internship. The internship coordinator will provide guidance on applying for Drayer funding, and all requests for Drayer internship support should go through the internship coordinator. Application Deadline: Application Deadline: due via email to Professor Elizabeth Urban <eurban@wcupa.edu> by October 15 or April 15, depending on the semester.  Committee considers applications as they come in. Consult with internship coordinator.

Student-Teacher Support

Every year, the Drayer Fund provides varying levels of financial support for a limited number of student-teachers. Eligibility: Student must be a history major in the social studies teacher certification program, enrolled in HIS 411/412 (Student-Teaching). Student must meet with history department social studies coordinator, who will provide guidance on applying for Drayer funding. All requests for Drayer student-teacher support should go through the social studies coordinator. Application Deadline: due via email to Professor Elizabeth Urban <eurban@wcupa.edu> by October 15 or April 15, depending on the semester. Committee considers applications as they come in. 

Study Abroad Support

Every year, the Drayer Fund provides varying levels of financial support for history majors enrolled in study abroad programs. The amount of funding depends on the quality of the student's application. Eligibility: Student must be a History major, have completed at least 12 credits, and demonstrate academic merit. If the student is enrolled in a study-abroad program led by a WCU history faculty member, they should meet with that faculty member before seeking Drayer support. The faculty member will provide guidance on applying for Drayer funding, and requests for Drayer study-abroad support should go through the faculty member.

Other projects

Presenting at a conference? Working on a research project with a professor? Volunteering with a cultural heritage organization? The Drayer committee also considers other requests for funding on a rolling basis. You will need to submit a budget and have a faculty member to sponsor your request.

Apply today!