CFSA: Cultivating Exceptional Potential

In the News

Picture of Hamish collecting samples

In the News: Students Pursue Research at Sites across the Country through NSF-Funded Program

By Naomi Shanguhyia | Nov 28, 2017

Mathematics major Danika Van Niel ’18 conducted original research in algebraic geometry last summer within the Mathematics Department at Purdue University. In the process, she learned what a career in mathematics research involves—and discovered more about herself. “I learned about my aptitudes, and that I am ready to seriously commit to research and graduate school,”…

Picture of Cameron Macpherson - SU's first Mitchell Scholar

In the News: Cameron MacPherson Named as University’s First Mitchell Scholar

By Naomi Shanguhyia | Nov 28, 2017

Cameron MacPherson ’16, a graduate student in Pan African studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named a recipient of the prestigious George J. Mitchell Scholarship for graduate study in Ireland. He is Syracuse University’s first Mitchell Scholar. MacPherson is one of only 12 U.S. students selected from more than 300 applicants…

In the News: 2017 CLS reciepient, Giovanna Saccoccio (’18), reflects on her experience abroad and its influence on her career goals

By Naomi Shanguhyia | Nov 10, 2017

  Giovanna Saccoccio is a senior majoring in international relations in the College of Arts and Sciences and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and in public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Last spring, she earned a prestigious Critical Language Scholarship that allowed her to study Turkish intensively through an…

Picture of Zainab Abdali

In the News: Zainab Abdali (’18) and Cameron MacPherson (’16) are finalists for prestigious nationally competitive scholarships

By Naomi Shanguhyia | Nov 6, 2017

Two Syracuse University students have been named finalists for three of the United States’ most prestigious nationally competitive scholarship awards: the Marshall Scholarship, the Mitchell Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship.  Zainab Abdali, a senior English and textual studies and mathematics major in the College of Arts and Sciences, was selected as a finalist for the…

Picture of Chizobam Nwagwu

In the News: PPIA fellowship prepares Chizobam Nwagwu (’18) for graduate school

By Naomi Shanguhyia | Nov 6, 2017

Chizobam (Chizo) Nwagwu ’18 spent an intensive seven weeks as a Public Policy and International Affairs Program fellow at the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs. The summer institute program—with its three graduate courses, networking opportunities and site visits that showed career possibilities—cemented her goals for her future. PPIA is a summer program…

What We Do

CFSA helps Syracuse University undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni apply for national scholarships and fellowships. These external awards provide funding and recognition across a range of disciplines and interests. 

Interest Meetings

One-on-One Advising

Writing Workshops

Interview Preparation

Institutional Endorsement

Syracuse University requires all students and alumni who are seeking institutional endorsement for the Marshall Scholarship and Rhodes Scholarship to express their interest in applying by June 1 and to complete an “Intent to Apply” form by July 1, detailing their record on leadership, service, academic accomplishments, and their rationale for the application. To express interest, email cfsa@syr.edu or one of CFSA's advisors directly. You can find the link to the "Intent to Apply" form below. A campus committee will meet in July to review these forms and select the students who will be endorsed by the University.

Applicants seeking CFSA’s support and assistance with applications to the Gates-Cambridge Scholarship, the Schwarzman Scholars Program, the Luce Scholars Program, or the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program ,should also complete the form.

Prestigious Fellowships Intent to Apply Form

Let us know if you intend to apply for a prestigious award (those listed under "Institutional Endorsement" above) by completing this form by July 1st. 

Upcoming Events

Check back for upcoming events!

Upcoming Awards and Deadlines

Most scholarships and fellowships that CFSA helps applicants pursue have deadlines that fall between September and February. Please consult our Scholarship directory to learn more about opportunities you may want to pursue during the 2026-2027 academic year. 

National Recognitions

Badge that reads Fulbright Top Producer U.S. Student Program 2024-2025
Badge that reads Fulbright Top Producer U.S. Student Program 2023-2024
Fulbright logo (blue ombre circle with white lines that intersect to look like an F) with the text above and below reading "Fulbright U.S. student program top producer 2022-2023"
blue circle with wavy exterior that reads AY 2021 - 2022 Gilman Top Producer
Fulbright Program logo of blue ombre circle surrounded by the text "Fulbright Program Top Producer Student Program"