Stamps Scholars Program

Overview

UChicago partners with the Stamps Scholars Program, made possible with the support of benefactors E. Roe Stamps and his late wife Penny, to recognize exceptional students who exemplify leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service, and innovation. The University of Chicago Stamps Scholars Program accepts applications from second-year students for enrichment grants that allow them to take on ambitious experiential learning projects during their third and fourth years.

Application

Application Link coming December 2026!

Timeline

  • Application Opens: December 7, 2026

  • Application Information Sessions:

    • November 11, 2026

    • December 9, 2026

    • January 7, 2027

    • January 15, 2027

  • Application Deadline: February 12, 2027

Award

UChicago Stamps Scholars receive grants of $20,000 that can be used over the course of their final two years at the University. Selected students can use the funding during both the summer and the academic year beginning in Summer 2026.

Recipients may use these enrichment funds for a wide variety of experiential learning opportunities, including internships, research projects, entrepreneurial endeavors, volunteering, attending professional conferences, and other experiences at the discretion of the University and the Foundation.

The award cannot be used for an internship with an organization that was formed for the purpose of supporting a candidate for political office. Because the University is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the tax code, it is prohibited from participating in political campaign activities.

Requirements

  • A standardized cover sheet with information about the applicant, their project, and their faculty or staff mentor

  • Resume

  • Unofficial Transcript

  • Statement of purpose, no longer than two pages explaining:

    • The applicants academic or professional goals, especially for their final two years at UChicago

    • the project(s) or experience(s) the student plans to use to enrichment funds for if selected as a stamps scholar

    • the UChicago faculty or staff member whom the student has identified to serve as a mentor and provide support and guidance during the project(s)

    • how the student’s prior experiences have prepared them to succeed in the proposed project(s)

    • how the project(s) would support their stated goals

    • Please consult this sheet for funding guidelines.

  • A questionnaire with information requested by the Stamps Scholars Program Foundation

  • A letter of recommendation from a UChicago faculty, staff member, or UChicago-affiliated expert in a relevant field who can attest to the applicant's character, the viability of their proposed project(s), and their academic, extracurricular, or professional performance.

  • A completed Stamps Scholars Mentor Form from a UChicago faculty, staff member, or UChicago-affiliated expert in a relevant field who has agreed to serve as the student’s mentor for their proposed project from the student's statement of purpose. This can be the same faculty or staff member who is writing the recommendation on behalf of the student but does not need to be. Mentors can submit the agreement form here.

  • By applying to the program, you give the University of Chicago permission to share all information you provide in your application with the Stamps Scholars Program.

  • Following application review, select candidates will be invited to move forward in the selection process to participate in a virtual interview component, completing several interview questions through the Big Interview platform. Candidates selected for this component of the process will receive specific instructions and guidance via email.

  • The application review committee will nominate a select number of candidates for an interview with the Stamps Scholars Program staff.

Eligibility

  • Current second-year College students who plan to graduate in June 2029

  • For additional questions about the Stamps Scholars Program, please contact Mark Summerside at summerside@uchicago.edu