Thomas J. Watson Fellowship
The is a rare window after college and pre-career to engage Fellows' deepest interests on a global scale. Fellows conceive original projects, execute them outside of the United States for one year and embrace the ensuing journey. They decide where to go, who to meet, and when to change course.
They do not affiliate with academic institutions and may not hold formal employment. Fellows may not travel to countries where they have spent more than four weeks. The Watson Fellowship is awarded to graduating seniors nominated by one of 41 partner colleges. The one-year grant provides a stipend of $40,000.
Eligibility
Class year: Graduating seniors
Other eligibility guidelines: Individuals who demonstrate integrity, strong ethical character, intelligence, the capacity for vision and leadership, and potential for humane and effective participation in the world community. A candidate's academic record, while not of primary importance, is considered together with those extracurricular activities which reflect both initiative and a commitment to the candidate's particular area of interest.
Applying & Resources
»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË may nominate up to four graduating seniors each year for the Watson Fellowship. To be considered for nomination, follow the instructions for submitting an application to »Ê¼Ò»ªÈË's nominating committee in the (»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË login required).
Schedule an Office of Fellowships advising appointment with Gaylena Merritt, Director of Fellowships, to discuss your candidacy.
»Ê¼Ò»ªÈË Watson Fellows
2023 - Caro Djakuduel
2022 - Luis Cordero, Ellie Lipp, ChiChi Odo
2021 - Langston Stephens
2020 - Maddie Hunter (declined), Roy Toston
2019 - Natalie Connell, Ky Roland
2018 - Sierra Ponthier
2017 - Kate Joss, Rachel McKay
2016 - Xzavier Killings, Alec Rotunda
2015 - Yeeva Cheng
2014 - Shneeka Center
2012 - Audrey Gyurgyik, Alexis Valauri-Orton
2011 - Sara Bates, Annie Temmink
2010 - Blake Evitt
2009 - Laura Bergner
2007 - Omer Hasmi, Amy Reid
2006 - Chris Clunie
2005 - Benjamin Nelson
2004 - Gray Lyons
2003 - Kristine Grayson, William Neville
2002 - Danielle Dillard, Amber Hartman, Jason Hollis, Adam Norris
2001 - Ben Carter
2000 - Michael Griffin
1999 - Emily Setina
1998 - Kenneth Howard, Katherine Palmer
1997 - Patrick Montoya
1996 - Amanda R. Curtis, Jennifer A. Hankins
1995 - Rachel C. Newcomb
1994 - David Tweedie
1993 - Sara E. Carlson Tavernise, Reid R. French, Heather L. Tarpley
1992 - Thomas K. Johnson, John C. Patton
1991 - Margaret Hoyle, Douglas H. Jobe
1990 - Jonathan P. Darsey, Katherine A. MacDonald
1989 - Milbrey Raney
1988 - David Ethridge, Gaulden Herrero
1987 - Laeta Kalogridis
1986 - Anne Lambert, Sayres Rudy
1985 - Beth Maczka, Virginia Richards
1984 - Malcolm Campbell, Stephanie Moffett-Hynds
1983 - LeRoy Overby
1982 - William Bargmann, Elizabeth Turnbull
1981 - Hugh Crenshaw
1980 - Carol Robinson
1979 - David Barnard, Laurie Lackey
1978 - John Craig, Jeffrey Metzel
1977 - Crawford Crenshaw
1976 - Andrew Lamas, John Taylor, Daniel Thorp
1975 - John Bevan, Thomas Nicoll
1974 - Peter Celentano, Ronald Gibson, Roger Manley
1973 - Stephen Baragona, James Lehman
1972 - Robert Allen, George Draughon, Stephen Salyer, Lester Strong
1971 - Royal McGraw, TJ Trussell
1970 - Gary Henschen, Benjamin Moore
1969 - Bill Anderson, Thomas Baker