CFSA: Cultivating Exceptional Potential
In the News
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,”…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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