Key Into Public Service Scholarship (Phi Beta Kappa)

“Key into Public Service” highlights the wide range of career opportunities for liberal arts and sciences majors in local, state, or federal government. A cohort of 20 Service Scholars from across the nation, majoring in liberal arts and sciences disciplines will each receive a $7,600 undergraduate scholarship. Recipients of the scholarship are part of a cohort program of around 20 students who travel to Washington D.C. for a conference featuring training, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Travel to the conference, meals, and lodging are covered by Phi Beta Kappa.

Examples of panels from previous conferences include graduate school preparation, working in federal/state/local government, and how to network effectively as a public service professional. The scholarship and conference will NOT focus on nonprofit, NGOs, government consulting, think tanks, or lobbying positions. Learn more about the information highlighted during last year’s conference by reviewing the 2025 conference resources for more information.

To be eligible, a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA is required. Students should expect to be graduating between December 2026 and August 2028. First-year students and students graduating in spring or summer of 2026 are not eligible.

PBK is committed to providing access to opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in its programs and activities.

Preferred characteristics for applicants include:

  • Intellectual curiosity,
  • Breadth and interdisciplinary depth,
  • Leadership, and
  • Service to others.

Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is not required to apply or be selected for this award.

Attend an information session to learn more about this opportunity from a 2025 Key Into Public Service Scholar and current UW-Madison undergraduate.

Key Into Public Service Information Session

  • Monday, November 17, 2025, 4:30-5:30 PM
  • Social Science Building, Room 6314

It is suggested that applicants learn about Phi Beta Kappa’s work as an advocate for the liberal arts and sciences before completing an application. Phi Beta Kappa is committed to highlighting the value of expertise in the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences in service to communities and to the nation. We see the recognition and support of Service Scholars as integral to these goals.

Award
7,600.00
Organizations
College of Letters and Science
Deadline
01/20/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. I understand that this scholarship opportunity is NOT restricted to Phi Beta Kappa members.
  2. (PBK) To be eligible for this opportunity, I understand that in addition to having a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA, I must not be graduating in the Fall 2025, Spring 2026 or Summer 2026 term; and that I am not currently a first year student.
  3. (PBK) To complete this application, you will need:
    • -Name and contact information for person submitting a letter of recommendation on your behalf.
    • -An official (unofficial is also acceptable) transcript from your college or university.
    • -You must also respond to essay and short answer questions about the value of the liberal arts and your interest in public service.
    *This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of what is required in the application but is meant to help you prepare necessary information.
  4. (PBK) This is an application process managed by the national office of Phi Beta Kappa. Please apply at this link by the deadline.