Peace Scholarship

CLICK HERE for Peace Scholarship Press Release
CLICK HERE for Peace Scholarship Selection Timelines

The Rotary World Peace Scholarship offers 60 individuals committed to peace and conflict resolution the opportunity to earn a two-year master’s level degree in international studies, peace studies and conflict resolution at one of the Rotary Center’s University partners. Rotary has contracted with six institutions worldwide to provide this valuable training. Our district can submit nominees to Rotary International by July 1, 2010. Final awards will be announced by year-end. Deadline for completed applications to local clubs is April 2, 2010.

Complete details and applications can be downloaded and printed directly from the Rotary International website at www.rotary.org click on Students and Youth.

What’s expected of World Peace Scholars?

  • impact world peace and conflict resolution in a significant, positive fashion during their future careers
  • demonstrate a commitment to a career in peace and conflict resolution
  • excel academically in their selected programs, accept the academic counsel and advice of the Rotary Center director, and obtain a master’s degree or certificate at the conclusion of their scholarship period
  • participate in an annual Rotary Center seminar
  • serve as ambassadors of goodwill wherever they go
  • make formal and informal appearances before Rotary clubs and districts, school and civic orgs, etc.
  • participate in district, regional, and international Rotary events
  • maintain contact with The Rotary Foundation throughout their professional careers in order to advise and assist Rotary International and its member clubs in their efforts to contribute to world peace and understanding
  • help evaluate and promote the Rotary World Peace Scholarships program
  • accept assignments to a Rotary Center outside of their home countries

Who can apply? Who cannot?

 Applicants for the Rotary World Peace Scholarships must have:

  • a strong academic background, training and work experience required for a master's level program at the partner universities
  • proficiency in more than one language (even if they propose to study in a country where their native language is spoken)
  • excellent leadership skills
  • a demonstrated commitment to peace and international understanding through their personal and community service activities and/or academic and professional achievements

   The following are ineligible to apply:

  • Rotarians and honorary Rotarians
  • employees of a club, district, or other Rotary entity or of Rotary International
  • spouses, lineal descendants (child or grandchild by blood or legal adoption), spouses of lineal descendants, or ancestors (parent or grandparent by blood) of any living Rotarian and former Rotarians and their relatives as described above within 36 months of resignation.

How does one apply?

Application must be made through a local Rotary club in the applicant’s legal or permanent residence or place of full-time study or employment. People with disabilities and members of Rotaract clubs are eligible and encouraged to apply.  The scholarship selection process consists of three levels: club, district, and world. After receiving applications, Rotary clubs forward their candidates to the Rotary district level for competition.

Club deadlines must be by April 2, 2010 for 2011-13 Rotary World Peace Fellowships. We need to allow enough time for a district interview and selection process to meet the deadline for submission of our nominee to The Rotary Foundation.

  • April 2, 2010. DEADLINE TO LOCAL CLUB.
  • April 23, 2010. DEADLINE TO 5960 District Peace Scholarship Chair. Send to Grete Lavrenz, 110 N. 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55403, Tel: 612-375-8535.
  • Saturday, May 15, 2010. District interviews will be held from approximately 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area. Candidates must be available for in-person interview on this date.
  • July 1, 2010. District 5960 nominee forwarded to The Rotary Foundation in Evanston.
  • November 2010. District Chair and candidates will be notified of results of world competitive selection process.

How you can help find qualified candidates?

  • Departments of International Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Peace Studies, and Conflict Resolution at local colleges and universities.
  • Former international volunteers
  • Mediation, arbitration and dispute resolution groups
  • Governmental agencies, international organizations and corporations.

If you need more information, please call Jingle Mahan at 651/636-9054 or 800/636-9054 (email: EmailJingle) or Grete Krohn Lavrenz, Twin Cities Nights Rotary (EmailGrete) or 612-375-8535 (office) for process questions.