The CAO Scholarship and Fellowship Programs are part of the new research and educational initiative established through a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), Charles Koch Foundation and Koch Industries. The Center’s mission is robust: we seek to expand educational, social and economic opportunities in our nation’s fragile communities. CAO will provide our HBCUs with the opportunity to engage in research and scholarship through our programs. Selected scholars will receive a one-year scholarship of $40,000 for the 2017-2018 academic school year, which will be applied solely to tuition, fees, and required expenses. The funds are applied in the fall and spring semesters at $20,000 per semester.

CAO Ph.D. Fellowship Requirements

  • Be an accepted or current Ph.D. student at an accredited college or university
  • Must be pursuing a Ph.D. in an eligible discipline (Business, Criminal Justice, Economics, Education, Philosophy or Political Science)
  • Must have received a four-year degree from an HBCU
  • Provide 2017-2018 student aid report (received from FAFSA)
  • Minimum GPA of 3.0
  • The applicant must exhibit a continued interest in pursuing a career aimed at furthering education, criminal justice or entrepreneurialism research at HBCUs
  • A citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America

To complete your application, please submit the following supporting documents:

  • Resume (include leadership, employment/internship experience, community service)
  • 2017-2018 Student Aid Report (received from filing FAFSA)
  • Most recent transcript (official or unofficial)
  • Recommendation from three individuals (one Ph.D. advisor recommendation and two other education recommendations)
  • Essay Question *Provide a list of three people or books that have influenced your thinking about how reforming criminal justice, improving education or reforming corporate welfare can advance the understanding and practice of how a free and open society enables a culture of mutual benefit, where individuals succeed by helping others to live meaningful lives. Explain in one sentence how each has influenced you
  • Up to two reprints of published papers and/or up to two published abstracts

How to Apply
This application is closed.