Starting in 2009, the Center for the Study of Science Fiction is pleased to offer a substantial scholarship for studying or writing science fiction at the University of Kansas. The Scholarship was given by a University of Kansas alumnae friendly to the Center for the Study of Science Fiction and the English Department.
For next year's (2010) Scholarship in Science Fiction Studies, the deadline to turn in all materials to the KU English Department is mid-March. If the Scholarship is not granted for this deadline, we will consider applicants until the start of the Fall semester (August 20, 2010).
The Award consists of a substantial amount of money (sufficient to cover most educational expenses for a year) funded by a generous donor who supports science fiction, plus a $100 tuition reduction for the Writer's Workshop offered by CSSF Director James Gunn.
The Center also offers the James E. Gunn Award for Science Fiction Writing. Click here for more information.
Rules
- To apply for the Scholarship, submit the following to the University of Kansas English Department by the deadline:
- A letter stating your name, address, resident status, graduate or undergraduate status, and major (and any minor) field of study.
- A short essay (500 - 2500 words) about how you would use and benefit from a scholarship in the study of science fiction or a scholarship in the writing of science fiction (or both).
- A KU ARTS form or transcript from your current school if not a KU student.
- To be considered by the first deadline, you must ensure that all materials have arrived at the English Department by (not postmarked by) March 10, 2010.
- English Department address:
- We have two submission deadlines: The primary deadline is in the Spring, and the secondary deadline - if funds remain - for incoming Fall students is prior to the start of classes. If you need more details, contact Chris McKitterick. The first deadline to turn in all materials to the KU English Department is Tuesday, March 10. If we do not award the scholarship during the first segment, we will consider late submissions, especially for new, incoming students to KU.
- This is a scholarship to study science fiction or write science fiction. For some of the definitions of SF, check the Web. Also read James Gunn's essay on the Protocols of Science Fiction for more insight. The scholarship is for either writers or scholars.
- We may award one deserving student or two per year, depending on
qualifications.
- All current or incoming KU students - traditional or non-traditional - are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
- Both Kansas residents and non-residents are eligible to apply for the scholarship, though preference goes to Kansas residents.
- You may apply for the scholarship each year, but preference goes to new
applicants.
The Award
- A substantial monetary award that could cover most educational expenses.
- A scholarship (tuition reduction of $100) for the summer Writer's Workshop.
This smaller scholarship must be used within 18 months of the applicant winning
the Scholarship in Science Fiction Studies (for the 2009 or 2010 Workshops).
- Your name and story title posted here for all to see! If you want to publish it here, as well, we will be happy to do so; however, we always encourage writers to try to sell their work before posting it to the internet.
The winner is announced during the English Department Awards Ceremony in mid-May. Below are the SF Scholarship winners to date:
2009
Melissa Lytton
