About the Committee on General Scholarships
Harvard University’s Committee on General Scholarships and the Shelden Fund was established in the early 1900s as Harvard’s only university-wide scholarship and fellowship programs office.
The majority of the Committee’s programs are funded with income from Harvard endowment funds established specifically for this purpose as a result of gifts to the university. Most of these scholarships and fellowships are restricted to students who meet specific eligibility criteria established by the original donors.
The Committee is a standing committee of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. Its formal members are the Deans of the graduate and professional schools at Harvard University, and of Harvard College, or the representatives whom they designate. CGS and its sub-committees meet regularly throughout the year to review applications and select scholarship and fellowship winners. Peggy Newell, Deputy Provost, is Chairperson of the Committee. The day-to-day business of the Committee is overseen by its administrative staff. Kelly O’Shea serves as Director, Rebecca Lock as Associate Director, and Colin Henderson as Program Coordinator.
FAQs
Who is the Committee on General Scholarships?
The Committee is a standing committee of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. It offers programs that serve students in all of Harvard’s graduate and professional schools. Its formal members are the Deans of the graduate and professional schools at Harvard, and of Harvard College, or the representatives whom they designate. Dr. Margot N. Gill, Administrative Dean for International Affairs, is Chairperson of the Committee.
What is the origin of all this funding?
The majority of the Committee’s programs are funded with income from Harvard endowment funds established specifically for this purpose as a result of gifts to the university. Most of these scholarships and fellowships are restricted to students who meet specific eligibility criteria established by the original donors.
CGS funds represent only a small fraction of the financial support available to Harvard students. It is important that all students begin their search for financial support with the Financial Aid Office of the school within Harvard University in which they plan to enroll.
Are the funds listed here all that are available at Harvard?
The funds and programs offered through the Committee on General Scholarships are only a small sample of the support available to Harvard students. Most financial support is managed within the College or the graduate or professional school in which the student is planning to enroll. All applicants should begin their search for financial support with the Financial Aid Office of that school, and then return here to determine whether there are additional or supplemental programs for you at CGS.
How is the amount of each scholarship awarded by CGS determined?
Scholarship awards are based upon several factors, including the scale of the scholarship program, the amount of funds available each year, and the number of students deemed eligible for each scholarship. Many scholarships also consider the financial need of each eligible candidate. A CGS scholarship rarely covers a student’s full costs for an entire academic year.
Who should I contact at the Committee for General Scholarships with additional questions?
Our telephone number is: 617-496-9367 and our email is: cgs@harvard.edu.