Portland State University is proud to be the home of the Monroe M. Sweetland Endowed Community Leadership Scholarship, which honors a remarkable Oregonian and steadfast friend of the University. Monroe Sweetland's achievements as a citizen, legislator, and early advocate for PSU were characterized by his enduring commitment to educational opportunity for all. In the years following World War II, as a state Senator, Monroe Sweetland focused his attention on expanding educational opportunities for Oregonians. He knew that accessible, quality higher education was imperative to serve a growing Portland metropolitan area and nearby rural communities. During his tenure as a state Senator he almost single-handedly shaped legislation, approved in 1955, which led to Portland State's transformation from a small extension program for returning veterans to a first-class public university. Mr. Sweetland also helped lead the effort to establish Portland State's first graduate program, the Graduate School of Social Work. For decades, former State Senator Monroe Sweetland was a well-known figure in Oregon politics, an individual of great integrity and civility, highly regarded by his colleagues regardless of political affiliation. Always a vocal advocate of higher education, he served as a lobbyist for the National Education Association for many years. The scholarship reflects his lifelong interests and career accomplishments and assists students in some of PSU's most distinguished and active professional programs.
This is a one-year non-renewable award. As of December 2023, we anticipate that there will be one or two awards of $1,500 each (distributed equally in Fall 2024, Winter 2025, and Spring 2025) for the 2024-25 academic year.
For students receiving financial aid, this award will impact the financial aid package.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for the Monroe M. Sweetland Endowed Community Leadership Scholarship if you meet these requirements:
- You are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- You are admitted to (or have applied for admission to) a graduate degree or graduate certificate program in one of the following schools or colleges starting in Fall 2024 with university regular status (i.e., with no university conditions at admission):
- College of Education
- School of Social Work
- College of Urban and Public Affairs
- You will be enrolled in and successfully complete 6 or more graduate credits that will count towards your degree each term of the award
- You have financial need
- You must file the 2024-25 FAFSA
Online Application Process
Online application for Graduate School scholarships and awards is now available. You will access the online application for GS scholarships and awards at the Scholarship Universe website.
Deadlines
- The deadline for the online PSU Graduate Scholarship Application is May 1.
- The deadline for submitting the FAFSA is May 1.