The end of the semester is already upon us, which means it’s time to reflect!
You Hit Submit 2025
On Wednesday April 16th, OSDFA hosted our third annual “You Hit Submit” celebration. This event celebrates our students who have hit submit on an application to any award or opportunity, regardless of outcome. We invite applicants, loved ones and members of the campus to join us to demonstrate our support for those who have bravely completed these applications in pursuit of life changing opportunities. This celebration, consistent with our mission, is focused on the rewards of the process and the many positive by-products that result through intentional and thoughtful goal setting.
In 2024-2025, 73 students and alumni successfully submitted applications for national awards, a 74% increase in applicants from last year. We have also expanded our horizon on award opportunities, with applicants submitting to the Public Policy and Leadership Conference, and familiar favorites like the Fulbright US Student Program and Truman Scholarship. This year’s celebration included opening remarks from Provost Sandra Richtermeyer, as well reflections from graduating senior Paul Boyd who, in 2024, was named Rutgers - Camden’s first Truman Scholar. The event acknowledges ALL of our applicants and honors the vulnerability and determination demonstrated by them. We are so proud of our students and recognize the importance of self-efficacy when applying for opportunities.
2 Students Named Goldwater Scholars
In January 2025, on behalf of Rutgers University - Camden, OSDFA nominated 3 outstanding undergraduate researchers students for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship. The Goldwater Scholarship provides financial support for U.S. students who demonstrate potential in the realms of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering.
Nominees must be sophomore or junior undergraduates who are engaged in research and who aspire to graduate study and careers in research. In March 2025, our campus received the exciting news that Tiffany Chan, a sophomore Biology and CCIB major, Alan Rozenblit, a junior Biology major, were each named Goldwater Scholars, a first for Rutgers - Camden.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students and wishing them continued success at Rutgers-Camden and beyond.
3 Students Awarded Critical Language Scholarship
This academic year, 12 Rutgers-Camden students ‘hit submit’ on the Critical Language Scholarship application, and earlier this semester we learned that four had been named semi-finalists. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) provides immersive language-learning opportunities for 12 critical languages of importance to the United States’ engagement with the world, including Portuguese, Urdu, and Chinese, among others. Most languages require no prior knowledge or experience, which makes this an excellent opportunity for students at all levels.
The Critical Language Scholarship is offered in two modalities: virtual (CLS Spark) and in-person. Students who have been selected as CLS Spark recipients for this summer will be automatic semi-finalists for in-person study next summer.
Of the four who were named semi-finalists, three were chosen to receive the scholarship, and one was chosen as an ‘alternate.’ These scholars include:
Aubre Blake, first-year animation major, recipient of CLS Spark in Korean
Jonathan Pamel, MPA student, recipient of CLS in Russian
Amy Glasser, MPA student, recipient of CLS in Swahili
Adayna Wallace, first-year animation major, alternate for CLS Spark in Japanese
Please join us in congratulating these scholars and wishing them luck as they embark on their language learning journeys.
End-of-Semester Wrap Up/Summer Preview
As we close out April, we’re also on the cusp of summer break and, yes, while Jordan & Laura will also be enjoying the slower pace and good weather that awaits us all, we also want you to know that OSDFA remains available to support you throughout the summer. As many of you know, applications (and planning) takes time - many awards that will be due in the fall are already open / available to work on. Take advantage of the flexibility of summer and connect with our team to plan and apply!
Additionally, don’t miss these upcoming events:
Fulbright Türkiye Info Session:
Join OSDFA as we welcome representatives from Fulbright Turkey (Türkiye) on Wednesday, May 7 at 12pm EST. During this session, learn about the various opportunities offered in Türkiye through the Fulbright US Student Program, including teaching English abroad, conducting research, or earning a Master's degree with a Turkish university.
Register in advance for this meeting: https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/H5AwwbdmRjOLo4U9hzwL8w
The Fulbright US Student program is open to all individuals who will have a bachelor's degree at the time the award begins (including rising seniors, recent graduates, and alumni). Fulbright is the premiere cultural exchange program and is a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful connection abroad.
Applications for 2026-2027 awards are now available, with a national deadline of Oct 7. Rutgers - Camden supports applicants through our Office of Scholar Development & Fellowship Advising (OSDFA); connect with us today to learn more about applying.
An evening with alumna & Schwarzman Scholar, Tania Martinez:
Join OSDFA on Wednesday, June 4 at 5pm for a special (virtual) event featuring Tania Martinez (CCAS '22) who was named Rutgers Camden's first Schwarzman Scholar earlier this year. During this session, Tania will share how her experiences at Rutgers - Camden helped prepare her for her professional roles and eventually led her to apply and be selected as Schwarzman Scholar, where she will complete a funded 1-year Master's degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing China. Also on hand for this event will be Schwarzman Scholarship outreach associate, Sarah Fischer, and OSDFA staff members with info for interested applicants.
Register for this event by visiting: https://connect.schwarzmanscholars.org/register/?id=348f23c8-58cb-46b8-b800-7caaa29509ff
The Schwarzman Scholars application is now open, with a national deadline of September 10th. OSDFA supports applicants through the process to hit submit; contact us today to learn more about applying.
Stay tuned to our social media this summer for continued updates, including award announcements and events. Until then, best of luck with finals and we hope to see you soon!
Awards to Consider:
Fulbright US Student Program: Applications open; campus due date Aug; national deadline Oct
Schwarzman Scholars: Opens April, Due September
PD Soros Fellowship for New Americans: Opens April, Due October
Public Policy Leadership Conference: Opens May, Due July
Marshall Scholarship: Opens June, Due September
Rhodes Scholarship: Opens July, Due September
To get started with these awards and more, please submit this brief interest form