APPLICATION PROCESS | straussfoundation

APPLY

Application Summary
One-Page Resume
One-Page Personal Essay - we hope to learn about your background, passions, “north star”, relevant accomplishments, and why your project is meaningful for you.
Project Proposal - Must be submitted in a single PDF form, limited to 4 pages, including Budget & Timeline, typed with 1.2 spacing.
Transcripts from all colleges attended; copies are acceptable.
Signed copy of the Acceptance Agreement (Final page of Bulletin of Information)
Letters of Recommendation (2) and Letter of Support - see next section

How to Submit Your Application

(2) Letters of Recommendation Two Letters of Recommendation are required.
Letter of Support - only if working with a partner organization. For example, say your project takes place at a high school - in this case, we will need a letter of support from a school representative that you have approval to conduct your project at this school. Click on the “Letter of Support” text above to see a sample.

How to Submit Letters

(Must be submitted directly by the letter writer)

Please use this file naming rule: StudentName - School - LOR.pdf
For example: Nancy Strauss - UCSB - LOR.pdf
The email must come from the letter writer’s organizational email address - for example, jsmith@schoolname.edu or jsmith@companyname.com.
By the application due date, please email the letter to LOR@straussfoundation.org.

The applicant has completed at least one year of college and will not graduate before June 2026.
The applicant has a GPA in the upper 1/3 of their class.
The applicant has a desire to “make a difference” in local, regional, national, or international communities.

Maintain satisfactory academic performance (upper 1/3 class).
Carry out the public service project.
- Emailing short bi-monthly updates and a 2-page final assessment
Attend a mandatory meeting of all Strauss Award recipients.
Serve as a Strauss Ambassador at the respective campus.