J.K. Watson Fellowship

F.A.Q.

What is the Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship?

The Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship is a program of The Thomas J. Watson Foundation.

The Jeannette K. Watson gives promising and accomplished undergraduates who attend an eligible college in New York City the possibility of on-the-job learning that will:

Provide opportunities for leadership and personal growth;
Provide experience and insight on choices for future vocation;
Help test in practice what you may be learning in the classroom;
Assist you in thinking about graduate program opportunities;
Help you present a more compelling application for national fellowships, graduate admissions and jobs;
Earn money to help you and your family afford your college education.

How long is the Fellowship?
The Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship will begin in June 2008 and continue through August 2010. During this time period, you will be expected to successfully complete three summers of paid internships of up to 10 weeks that will enhance your vocational goals and personal interests. The 2008 summer will begin with a three-day orientation June 5 to 7, 2008. Internships, seminars, and cultural events will extend through August 8, 2008. Attendance is also required at four term-time seminars held on Saturdays.

Is There a Stipend?
Yes. The stipend is $5,000 for the first summer, $6000 for the second summer and $6000 for the third summer.

Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, you must be a second semester freshman or sophomore and must have at least four semesters of full-time academic work remaining after the term in which you apply to become a J.K. Watson Fellow. You must be enrolled at one of the ten invited colleges--Brooklyn College, The City College of New York, the College of Mount Saint Vincent, the College of Staten Island, Hunter College, Lehman College, Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, Marymount Manhattan College, Pace University, Manhattan Campus, and Queen's College.

You must be registered in a liberal arts track, demonstrate competence in college level work, be not more than 25 years old on March 1, 2008, and be an American citizen or "green card" holder. You may not be on an international student visa.

How do I apply?
All application materials and instructions are available here. Prior to completing your application, you should meet with the Campus Representative at your college. Most applications are due in February, but each college sets its own due date.

Each invited college may nominate up to four candidates to be considered by the Citywide Selection Panel. The Citywide Selection Panel will designate fifteen Jeannette K. Watson Fellows who will be notified by mid-April. The Fellowship begins with internships in the summer following appointment. The Fellowship may not be deferred.

What do Fellows do after they finish the program?
After completing the program, Fellows attend graduate school, work in a variety of exciting and challenging careers, and participate in competitive post-graduate fellowships. Click here for a partial list.

	About The Fellowship
	Eligibility
	Application Forms
	FAQ
	Our Fellows
	About Us
	Photo Gallery
	Links