FOR STUDENTS
Brumley Undergraduate Scholars
The Brumley Next Generation Scholars Program was launched in 2010 with the goal of providing new research and mentorship opportunities for promising UT undergraduate students interested in careers in international security and law. This program now also includes a focus on civic engagement, expanding the reach of the program by engaging more students on a wider range of local, national, and international policy issues. Involving undergraduates in international affairs and civic engagement early in their career is an important part of the Strauss Center’s mission to prepare the next generation of leaders to help develop solutions to the most pressing public policy challenges. The program is made possible by the generous support of Jon and Rebecca Brumley.
How It Works
As part of the one-year Brumley Next Generation Scholars Program, Scholars will:
Take the Course
Register for PA 325 Next Generation Scholars Research, a 3-credit research training and professional development course taught by Dr. Stephanie Holmsten and Dr. Michael Mosser in the fall semester. Scholars are required to participate in all sessions of the course, which are expected to meet every Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in Sid Richardson Hall at the LBJ School of Public Affairs.
Do Independent Research
Commit time during the spring semester to work with a mentor to refine the ideas generated and workshopped in the fall semester course to produce op-eds, policy memos, communications with elected representatives, or the like.
Attend Events
Make a concerted effort to attend Strauss Center events and conferences, including the annual Brumley Scholars trip to Washington, DC over the winter break.
Receive Funding
Earn a stipend of $750, awarded the spring semester. Students may use this stipend to conduct independent research, travel to a study abroad program or summer internship, attend a professional conference, or engage in other experiential and scholarly pursuits approved by program faculty.
How to Apply
Apply to join the Brumley Next Generation Scholars Program:
Apply today!
Applications for the 2026-27 cohort are open now. Submit your application by March 1: Apply Here
Eligibility
- You must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate student in good standing at the University of Texas at Austin. All undergraduate level programs at UT Austin are eligible, regardless of area of study. Students in programs that are not typically perceived as linked to international affairs, such as business or the natural sciences, should not hesitate to apply!
- You must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student for the fall semester and in residence in Austin at that time.
- You must have an overall GPA of at least 3.50.
- You must be able to complete all activities required during the program, including the Fall 2026 course, winter break Washington, D.C. study trip (for which funding support is provided), Spring 2027 activities, and regular attendance at Strauss Center public events.
Applications should include
- A detailed cover letter explaining your academic and professional interests, the specific policy area you are interested in researching, and why you want to be a Brumley Scholar and participate in the intellectual life of the Strauss Center.
- Résumé with your complete contact information, including preferred email address and cell phone number.
- Names and contact information of two references. One of these references should be a UT faculty member who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.
- One unofficial UT Austin transcript or academic summary, which reflects all UT coursework (including complete Fall 2025 grades) and overall GPA.
We will select a shortlist of finalists for interviews in March prior to making final decisions. Please contact Brittany Horton at brittany.horton@austin.utexas.edu if you have any questions.
The Brumley NextGen Fellows and Scholars program would not be possible without the generous support of Jon and Rebecca Brumley of Fort Worth, Texas.