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In recent years, very few residents of UMaine have applied for the James Madison Fellowship Program.
This year, political science professor Mark Brewer hopes to drum up student interest in the program. He has planned a series of advertisements, letters and meetings with students.
Last Year Brewer was disappointed to receive notification from the Madison Fellowship that no students from this state had even applied for the fellowship.
“It’s a great opportunity, and I think it’s a shame we don’t take greater advantage of it,” he said.
Brewer pointed out that he did not believe the lack of winners from Maine was because of lack of ability, but rather lack of awareness about the opportunity the fellowship represents.
He pointed out that it is unclear whether students from the University of Maine have not been applying for the scholarship. An applicant lists his or her state of legal residence regardless where they go to school. Hence an out-of-state student who attends UMaine could win the fellowship but not the one set aside for Maine.
The Madison Fellowships, named in honor of James Madison, the nation’s fourth president and one of the principal authors of the U.S. Constitution, names a fellowship recipient from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the other U.S. territories.
The selected students receive funding for graduate school programs with the stipulation that after graduation they teach secondary education social studies.
Furthermore, recipients of the fellowship are sent to a four-week summer institute program held at Georgetown University, which focuses on the principles, framing, ratification and implementation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
Brewer encouraged any student with an interest in teaching American history, political science or social studies to apply for the fellowship.
“The biggest benefit is covering education expenses,” he said, but he went on to remark that the Georgetown University summer program was also very good.
“They really value an applicant being able to demonstrate enthusiasm about teaching, especially regarding the Constitution.”
The fellowship is open to students of any major, provided they meet the basic guidelines set out in the application, which is available online at www.jamesmadison.com.
Anyone interested should contact Brewer on FirstClass.
