James B. Pearson Fellowship Grant

James B. Pearson Fellowship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kansas Board of Regents
Amount: Approximately US $3,000
Last Updated: February 25, 2026

Summary

The James B. Pearson Fellowship, established by former Kansas Senator Pearson, supports graduate students from Kansas public universities in pursuing studies abroad. It aims to enrich their global perspective, especially in foreign affairs. Selection is based on character and study plans, with a preference for projects that promote a global community. The average stipend is $3,000, contingent on funding availability. Eligible applicants must be Kansas residents and enrolled in related graduate programs.

Overview

James B. Pearson Fellowship Established by former Kansas Senator Pearson to encourage graduate students from Kansas public universities to experience the global perspective gained from study abroad. Senator James B. Pearson represented Kansas in the U.S. Senate from 1962 to 1978. He served on several committees, including the Foreign Relations Committee. His attention was often focused on the conflict and unrest in the Middle East, Far East, Central America, Africa, and Europe. Senator Pearson believed that the United States needed to stay involved in the global community. With this in mind, the James B. Pearson Fellowship Fund was established in 1979 to assist graduate students in pursuing studies abroad. Selection Criteria Pearson Fellows are selected at the sole discretion of the selection board and may be based on the applicant’s character, plan of study, and financial need. The members of the Pearson Board are appointed by the governor. Please note that the board prioritizes research projects that link to the core objectives of the Pearson Fellowship Fund, which are to further scholarly study to promote a global community. Examples of past programs approved for the fellowship include: West Germany; energy politics in the German Democratic Republic Tohoku University in Japan; exploration of urban design International Institute of Human Rights in France; considering the law of human rights Erdgenossische Technische Hochschule in Switzerland; energy conservation practices of major industriesJordan; archaeology Ireland; investigate similarities of dialect in Irish English and Black American English University of Stockholm; administration of Swedish social services Funding The average stipend provided is $3,000. Awards are subject to availability of funding. Applications also available from graduate school offices.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicants for the Pearson Fellowship must:Be a permanent Kansas resident for a minimum of five years prior to start of study abroad program. Be accepted to a graduate program at an eligible Kansas college or university and plan to pursue a program of study related to foreign affairs.Appropriate fields of study include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, history, international relations, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Ineligibility

Straight-forward language studies are typically not approved for the fellowship.