National Scholarships
Phi Kappa Psi Foundation is proud to provide National Scholarships which recognize undergraduate and graduate Phi Psis who excel in the areas of academics, chapter leadership, and campus involvement. Those selected often display outstanding academic achievement and excellence in service to Phi Psi, their campuses and communities, as well as active membership in athletics, campus organizations, community groups, and philanthropies. These awards continue to underscore the Foundation’s belief that success within the Fraternity and life begins in the classroom.
Funding is awarded each spring through National Scholarships for use toward tuition, course-related fees, and required textbooks and supplies. Phi Kappa Psi membership dues or housing fees are not eligible academic expenses.
Applications for National Scholarships from the Phi Psi Foundation will be available starting January 15, 2025, with an application deadline of March 15, 2025.
Ben King Award
$2,500 scholarship given to an undergraduate who is majoring in engineering (or a related field) and is working to support himself while in college. The award recognizes an outstanding brother in need of financial assistance who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership skills and strong character. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
District Awards
Four (4) scholarships of $3,000 each are awarded in each district. Desired candidates will demonstrate dedication to academic excellence, a commitment to serving others, and a devotion to Phi Kappa Psi.
Founders Graduate Awards
Two (2) $2,500 awards for members who are in graduate school now or who will enter graduate school next fall. Academic standing, leadership and character are primary considerations for the awards. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
Jerry Nelson Award
$2,500 scholarship for an undergraduate or graduate student demonstrating high moral standards and committed to positively influencing his chapter, campus and community. A minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply, but the applicant’s entrepreneurial spirit within Phi Psi, his personal life or a professional setting is most important.
Mark Stevens USC ’81 Undergraduate Scholarship
Two (2) $5,000 need-based academic scholarships for undergraduate Phi Psi’s who need financial support to attend college. Recipients must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and be in good standing with the Fraternity.
Mark Stevens USC ’81 Graduate Scholarship
Two (2) $5,000 need-based academic scholarships for Phi Psi’s who need financial support to attend a graduate or professional program. Recipients must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 2.75 or higher, be accepted to or enrolled in a graduate and/or professional program for the 2024-25 academic year, and be in good standing with the Fraternity.
Philip M. Cornelius Award
$2,500 scholarship given to an undergraduate with financial need, at least a 2.75 GPA and demonstrated moral character and leadership skills.
Pride Award
$1,200 award created to provide scholarship assistance to undergraduate or graduate students who identify as gay, bisexual, or transgender. Consideration for the award will be given to those with financial need and demonstrate fraternity involvement, as well as a commitment to serving campus and community.
Ralph “Dud” Daniel Award
Two (2) $2500 awards recognizing undergraduate members who have made outstanding leadership contributions to their chapter, campus and community. A minimum GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply, but the applicant’s leadership accomplishments are the primary factors in the award. Leadership outside the chapter setting is most important.
Ruddick C. Lawrence Award
Two (2) $2,500 scholarships for undergraduate students who have provided meritorious service to people or organizations outside Phi Kappa Psi. While candidates must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale), emphasis is placed on service to campus, college community and hometown organizations.
Schroeder Family Finance Award
$1,400 scholarship awarded annually to a graduate or undergraduate Phi Psi preparing for a career in investment banking, sales and trading, asset management or a related field. Financial need, fraternity and community involvement and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) are also considerations for the award.
Solon E. Summerfield Awards
Five (5) scholarships awarded to Phi Psi undergraduates. One brother is selected as the Outstanding Solon E. Summerfield Scholar, with an award of $7,500 and one runner-up will receive $5,000. Three (3) Phi Psis are selected as Summerfield Scholars with an award amount of $2,500 each. The primary selection criteria are academic standing and leadership and service to their chapter, campus and community. Emphasis is placed on chapter leadership. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
Watkins Christian Scholar Award
$5,000 scholarship to a graduate or undergraduate Phi Psi who inspires his peers to fulfill all aspects of the Phi Psi Creed by demonstrating the character of Jesus Christ and is committed (no matter their chosen major; business, engineering, biology, etc.) to advancing the Gospel within their chosen vocation (i.e. doctor, lawyer, manager, business owner, etc.).
William H. Blanning Graduate Award
Two (2) $3,600 awards for graduate students demonstrating outstanding academic standing, leadership and character. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply.
William R. Walker Award
$2,500 scholarship for a graduate or undergraduate student in business, real estate, housing or land use, public policy and urban planning, or a law student with the intent to practice real estate law. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher is required.
Winston R. “Win” Tate Award
Two (2) $2,500 scholarships to a graduate or undergraduate student in business, with preference given to those studying economics, accounting or finance. A cumulative GPA of 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher is required.
Phi Psis wishing to apply for National or Named Scholarships can do so through the scholarship tab of the My Phi Psi Funds portal. This is different from the Phi Psi Portal and will require first-time visitors to register for an account.
Named Scholarships
Named Scholarships honor donors or members who have had a significant impact on Phi Kappa Psi. Scholarships are often created with a specific purpose such as recognizing a member from a specific chapter or studying an identified major.
Application timelines for Named Scholarships vary, as do the award amounts.
Colorado Alpha (Connor Thomson) Scholarship
Established to honor and remember Connor Jacob William Thomson Colorado ’18, the Colorado Alpha (Connor Thomson “Honor Connor”) Scholarship is awarded annually to an active Colorado Alpha Phi Psi brother in his sophomore, junior, or senior year with the primary focus on the brother’s spirit of giving through philanthropy and community service. Further consideration is given to brothers demonstrating financial need and a strong grade point average.
Iowa Alpha (Michael D. Junker) Scholarship
Established to honor and remember Michael Junker Iowa ’00, the Iowa Alpha (Michael D. Junker) Chapter Scholarship is awarded annually to a University of Iowa Phi Psi undergraduate brother who exemplifies Michael’s attributes including involvement in the community, devotion to fraternity, and a great sense of humor.
Iowa Beta (Bill and Lindy Good) Chapter Scholarship
William J. Good joined Phi Kappa Psi in 1969 and since that time both he and his wife Lindy have had a transformational impact on the Iowa Beta Chapter and the Phi Kappa Psi brotherhood. The Iowa Beta (Bill and Lindy Good) Chapter Scholarship is awarded annually to an Iowa Betan with demonstrated financial need, a strong academic record, a passion for community service and philanthropic involvement and leadership aspirations.
Iowa Beta (Paul T. Troupe) Emerging Leaders Scholarship
Named for Paul Troupe Iowa State ’11, the Iowa Beta (Paul T. Troupe) Emerging Leadership Scholarship recognizes up-and-coming Iowa Beta brothers who are positively impacting the chapter. After Paul tragically lost his life in a car accident, his parents Doug and Sherri established the scholarship as a way to share Paul’s story and provide opportunities for others to live up to their potential.
Mississippi Alpha (Christopher J. Grimaud) Scholarship
Established to honor and remember Christopher Grimaud Ole Miss ’12, the Mississippi Alpha (Christopher J. Grimaud) Scholarship is awarded annually to a Mississippi Alpha Phi Psi undergraduate brother with the primary focus on the brother’s financial need with consideration for his extracurricular activities, philanthropic contributions and community involvement. Further consideration is given to brothers from the St. Louis area.
New York Beta Hunter Brooks Watson Scholarship
Brother Hunter Brooks Watson Syracuse ’15 is remembered through a scholarship created by his family to honor his life and passion for Phi Kappa Psi. Hunter passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in Dover, Delaware due to injuries suffered in an automobile collision. The New York Beta (Hunter B. Watson) Scholarship is awarded annually to a Phi Kappa Psi brother from the Alabama Alpha or New York Beta chapter.
Selected annually by a panel of Hunter’s peers, each Hunter Brooks Watson scholar commits to keeping Hunter’s memory alive by articulating and sharing his spirit, passions and accomplishments.
Pennsylvania Iota (C. Correia) Scholarship
The Pennsylvania Iota (Correia) Scholarship was established in the spring of 2013 by Clive Anthony “C” Correia Penn ’96 as a tribute to his family and the experience he had within Phi Kappa Psi. Brother Correia’s vision behind the scholarship is to support the educational advancement of undergraduate Phi Kappa Psi brothers at the University of Pennsylvania who demonstrate financial need and have shown a dedication to their fraternity, school, and community.
Frequently Asked Questions
National Scholarships
To be eligible for Phi Psi Foundation scholarships, members must be initiated (or an active colony member) in good standing with the Fraternity by the date the award is announced.
In addition to the membership eligibility guidelines, many scholarships are designated for candidates with certain qualifications. Available scholarships and criteria are outlined above and in the My Phi Psi Funds portal. Applicants will need to select the individual scholarships for which they would like to apply.
All eligible applicants with complete applications and letters of reference submitted by the application deadline will be considered for scholarships.
January 16
Scholarship Applications Open
March 15
Application Deadline
May 15
Award Status Notifications
May 30
Acceptance Deadline
June 30
Disbursement
Open your application
All applications and recommendations must be completed and submitted via a secure third-party online application and recommendation system.
Applicants can save their application and return to complete it at a later time and upload official transcripts and letters of recommendation to their application, prior to submitting it for review.
To open an application during the application season, navigate to the My Phi Psi Funds portal. Follow the instructions to create an account or sign in using an existing account.
Review instructions, tips & FAQs
After you have opened your scholarship application, but before you begin entering information, be sure to read all the instructions to help you prepare for the process. The scholarship application outlines all instructions required to successfully complete the application process.
Gather information
Locate all the information you need to complete the application, including, but not limited to:
- Current Cumulative GPA
- Student ID number
- Contact Information for references
- Campus/Community activities & leadership positions
- Unofficial college/university transcript (Unofficial transcript is acceptable at the application phase)
- Resume (to send to your references to help them write their recommendation for you)
Prepare to answer additional narrative questions
After you have completed the initial application questions, you will see many scholarship options. You can select the applications that best suit you and, often, complete an additional essay question to be eligible for that award. Again, it is often helpful to answer the narrative questions in a word processing software application, then copy and paste into the application.
Get started early
The application window is open from January 16 until March 15 each year. Applicants who take time early in the process to gather information, outline and write narrative essay answers, and contact their references (and provide them with resume, etc.) typically submit high-caliber applications. Don’t wait until the last minute – take time over weekends, study breaks, and school holidays to work on your application.
Get help when you need it
As you’re working on your application, if you have questions about the application process, please contact scholarships@pkpfoundation.org.
Test technology
Become familiar with the application and how to use it. See how it works with different browsers, computers, mobile devices, etc. Phi Kappa Psi Foundation is not responsible for lost application information. Phi Kappa Psi Foundation WILL NOT extend the deadline for any reason, including problems with technology or with submission of the application. Please complete and submit your application well in advance of the deadline in case of any issues.
Draft responses in Word
Before you type your responses in the online application, it is a good idea to draft them in a word processing application, like Microsoft Word. You will easily be able to check word count, spell check, and copy and paste your answers into the scholarship application.
Select references and contact them early
It is up to your best judgment to select an appropriate scholarship reference. You will need to ask two people to serve as references. After you confirm they are willing to submit recommendation forms on your behalf, verify their contact information and send the recommendation requests via the REFERENCES page of your application form as soon as possible. You do not have to complete your application before sending recommendation requests.
Proofread, proofread, and proofread again
You are responsible for editing your application for accuracy prior to submission. When entering information into your application, particularly the narrative components, remember that the application is your only chance to make a good impression with evaluators. Phi Kappa Psi Foundation’s scholarship program is competitive and we have high standards. Make sure your responses are well-written and free of errors. Poorly written personal statements will negatively affect your application score and incorrect or incomplete answers may result in disqualification.
Stay informed
Be sure to regularly check your email and Phi Kappa Psi Foundation social media pages for messages and information related to your scholarship application and the application process.
Submit on time
Phi Kappa Psi Foundation will not accept late materials for any reason. There will be no exceptions to this requirement. Be sure to note that applications are to be received by March 15 at 11:59 p.m. EASTERN STANDARD TIME. Also, please remember that all references must be received by that time as well.
Monitor the status of your recommendations
Submitted applications without complete recommendation forms from references will not be considered for Phi Kappa Psi Foundation scholarships. The applicant is solely responsible for ensuring references submit complete recommendation forms by the deadline, even if a reference does not initially receive a recommendation request message or forgets to submit a completed form.
- If you are concerned about the status of a recommendation form, follow up with your reference and review the instructions in the scholarship application for resending and canceling recommendation requests, including how to send a recommendation request to someone else if a reference is unable to submit a recommendation form by the deadline.
To have your application reviewed, it must be received by March 15 at 11:59 p.m. EASTERN STANDARD TIME.
A completed application includes:
- Application form
- Recommendation form submitted by a Phi Psi reference
- Recommendation form submitted by a non-Phi Psi reference
You may submit your application before your references submit their recommendation forms, but your application will only be considered if all components are submitted by the deadline.
Confirming your submission
When you successfully submit your application form, you will receive two confirmation messages:
- An on-screen confirmation.
- An email with a confirmation. Please save this message for your records.
If your submission is not successful, the page will refresh and you will see an error message at the top of the page.
- Revisit the questions/fields highlighted in the navigation pane to identify any errors. After you have corrected the errors, attempt to submit your application again.
If you continue to have trouble, try submitting your application on another browser or device. You may also contact scholarships@pkpfoundation.org for limited assistance.
If you successfully submit a complete application, selection committees comprised of Phi Psi alumni and interfraternal volunteers will review your scholarship application(s) and will consider you for scholarships.
In addition to eligibility, evaluation and selection criteria may include, but are not limited to:
- Strength of Cumulative Grade Point Average
- Demonstrated commitment to the Fraternity, campus, and community
- Demonstrated effort in personal statement responses, fully developed responses to narrative prompts, and strength of writing.
- Recommendations from references who are appropriate for a scholarship application, who highly regard the application, and can speak clearly about the applicant’s strengths.
Phi Kappa Psi Foundation will notify each applicant via email May 1, whether or not he was selected as a scholarship recipient. The email used when creating the application will be used for the notification. In the event the award status notifications will be delayed, an email will be sent to all applicants making them aware of the updated time frame. Please be aware of the award notification dates.
Scholarship recipients are required to complete the award acceptance process themselves. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, Phi Kappa Psi Foundation will provide complete information about acceptance requirements and deadlines in the official award status notification messages and subsequent mailings. Required acceptance documents may include, but are not limited to, an OFFICIAL college/university transcript, letters of gratitude to scholarship donors, headshot photo, and a completed Statement of Eligibility. Materials must be received by May 15 to receive the check. Checks will be issued to the college or university to be deposited in the student’s tuition account.