The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest, largest and most selective all-discipline honor society. Founded in 1897, and with 300 chapters at colleges and universities in North America, the Society is highly regarded by graduate schools and employers. The UMSL Chapter was chartered in 1980, and its members include the Chancellor, the Provost, and the Associate Provost for Student Success, as well as many members of the faculty.
Phi Kappa Phi members are eligible to apply for a variety of scholarships offered by the National Organization, including Fellowships to support the first year of graduate or professional study; Study Abroad grants; and Literacy Grants for service projects that promote literacy in the local community. Detailed information about these scholarships is available at the National Website.
Invitation to membership is offered only once a year, in the Fall semester, to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students, who also meet other criteria. Students may not apply, but will be invited to join the Society by the Chapter President if they meet the standards of eligibility.
Phi Kappa Phi awards nearly a million dollars of scholarships to its members each year, through national competitions. Details are available at https://www.phikappaphi.org/grants-awards. There are 58 annual Fellowships, ranging between $8,500 and $35,000 each, to support the first year of graduate or professional study. Student members of the UMSL Chapter may apply by submitting an application to the Awards Officer, Dr. Kathleen Haywood. The next chapter competition deadline will be in February 2021, and details will be sent to chapter members through Canvas.
Each year, Phi Kappa Phi also offers 10 Dissertation Fellowships of $10,000 each, 75 Study Abroad Grants of $1,000 each, 200 Love of Learning Awards of $500 each for post-baccalaureate education or professional development, and several Literacy Grants of up to $2,500 to support projects to advance community literacy. Applications for these awards are submitted directly to the National organization, and more information is available at the website.
The UMSL Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi offers the annual John J. Anderson Chapter Scholarship of $1,000. The scholarship is available only to student members of the Chapter, and it will apply to the student's UMSL tuition in the following fall semester. Chapter Members may access a copy of the information sheet and application form through their Canvas link to Phi Kappa Phi, in the module "Anderson Scholarship Application." For questions concerning the Anderson Scholarship, please contact the Awards Officer, Dr. Kathleen Haywood. The next application deadline will be in April 2021.
