Founded in 1776, The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the nation's most prestigious academic honor society and is a leading voice championing liberal arts and sciences education, fostering freedom of thought, and recognizing academic excellence. The Key into Public Service scholarship program highlights the wide range of career opportunities for arts and sciences majors in local, state, or federal government. In recognition of the Society's 250th anniversary year, a cohort of 20 Service Scholars at Phi Beta Kappa chapter institutions will each receive a $7,600 undergraduate scholarship. Membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Society is not required to receive this scholarship.
Selected students are required to participate in an educational conference taking place in Washington, D.C. from June 24-28, 2026. This conference will highlight pathways into a variety of public service careers, provide a mentoring conversation matched to recipient interest, and offer other networking opportunities. The Society is committed to providing access to opportunity and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in its programs and activities.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be enrolled at one of Phi Beta Kappa’s 290+ chapter institutions. Membership in Phi Beta Kappa is not required for eligibility.
- Applicants should expect to graduate between 12/1/2026 and 8/1/2028. First-year students and seniors who will graduate in Spring/Summer 2026 are NOT eligible.
- Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 while demonstrating academic excellence in your arts, humanities, mathematics, natural science, or social science major.
- Preferred Characteristics for Applicants:
- Intellectual Curiosity: Ideas excite you and you learn from many viewpoints. You are passionate about your arts and sciences education, and eager to learn more about the world around you.
- Breadth and Interdisciplinary Depth: You demonstrate academic excellence in your arts, humanities, mathematics, natural science, or social science major with a minimum 3.5 grade point average. In addition, you also take a range of coursework outside your primary field of interest as demonstrated in your transcript and can communicate why a well-rounded education matters.
- Leadership: You can identify how you influence others positively, either on or off campus through academic research, campus extracurricular activities, internships, employment, or community organizing.
- Service to Others: You would like to pursue a career in local, state, or federal service to serve the common good. You can show a meaningful commitment to others by your participation in volunteer/community service activities.
Award Highlights:
- Applicants must commit to attend the conference for all award recipients taking place June 24-28, 2026 in Washington, D.C.
- This mandatory conference will provide training and mentoring opportunities and showcase pathways from arts and sciences education into active citizenship and public service.
- The Society will provide transportation, lodging, and meal per diems. The Society may switch the format to a virtual event if needed to ensure the safety and health of all participants.
- In recognition of the Phi Beta Kappa Society's 250th anniversary in 2026, each scholar will receive a $7,600 undergraduate scholarship
Application Components:
- Biographical information
- Personal Statement Essay
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Letter of Recommendation (1):
- Applicants will need to provide the name of a professor, faculty member, or academic advisor who can attest to your academic achievements and interest in public service.
- Successful applicants will demonstrate in their essays, activities, and letter of recommendation:
- an interest in working in local, state, or federal government service
- and breadth and depth across the arts, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences.
pbk.org/programs/keyintopublicservice
January 20, 2026
Advisor: Office of Distinguished Scholarship