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Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship
Deadline to apply: May 15, 2023 3:00 pm CT

The Cory L. Richards Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by the Guttmacher Institute, supports emerging leaders in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. The scholarship honors the legacy of Cory L. Richards, whose passion for mentorship and commitment to cultivating talent benefited countless individuals during his nearly four decades at the Institute. This scholarship provides financial support to master’s degree students planning to devote their careers to advancing public policy related to sexual and reproductive health and rights. Scholarships are offered each year for full-time or part-time graduate study at an accredited institution in the United States.

Applicants must:

  • Be entering or currently enrolled in a full-time or part-time graduate study program at an accredited institution in the United States for the entire upcoming academic year.
  • Be pursuing a master’s degree in public policy or public health
  • Be planning to pursue a career in advancing public policy related to sexual and reproductive health and rights
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)

Past recipients may not reapply.

Award Information

Up to two (2) awards of US $20,000 will be granted each year, with one award granted per recipient. Awards are not renewable and are for graduate study only.

Notification

Applicants will be notified about decisions in July. Those who are not selected for this scholarship cycle may reapply to the program each year that they meet eligibility requirements.

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of the Guttmacher Institute. Payment is made in early August.

Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:

  • Academic record
  • Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
  • Honors
  • Work experience
  • A personal essay and answer to a short response question

In keeping with the Institute’s and Cory’s commitment to equalizing opportunity, priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need.

Applicants selected as finalists must submit a letter of recommendation and a college transcript; the scholarship recipient(s) will be selected on the basis of these and the previously submitted application materials.

Selection of the recipient(s) is made by the Guttmacher Institute. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.

Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor, and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, age, gender, disability or national origin.

The Guttmacher Institute has partnered with Scholarship America to facilitate the application process. Select the button below to apply through the Scholarship America Hub.