The Program

To encourage and mentor the next generation of scholars in international relations, politics, and policy making, the Arnold A. Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies, while under the direction of former Director Keren Yarhi-Milo, created a special program for select undergraduate majors in political science, history, human rights, computer science, and area studies, the Saltzman Student Scholars Program.

Chosen through competitive application, under the guidance of Interim Institute Director Peter Clement, Saltzman Student Scholars will be invited to public and private Institute events including seminars, round tables and meetings, and an annual career bootcamp. They will receive mentoring from members and affiliates of the Institute, and guidance on next career steps including, but not limited to, applying to graduate school, think tanks, fellowships, and government positions. Saltzman Student Scholars will also be listed in a special section of our website along with their photo and profile. Please note, students accepted into the program are expected to attend monthly cohort meetings and regularly participate in Institute events.

You can view our current cohort of student scholars HERE.

Qualifications      

Applicants must be rising juniors or seniors with a declared major in Political Science, History, Human Rights, Computer Science, or Area Studies, with an interest in international relations, politics, or policy making, and must have completed courses that demonstrate an interest in international relations at the time of application. Applicants may be from CC, GS, SEAS, or BC.

Application Procedure 

Please submit the following materials to Saltzman Coordinator Olivia Grinberg at ojg2112@columbia.edu. The deadline to apply to the Fall 2024 cohort is Friday, May 31, 2024. Decisions will be made by the end of June, 2024.

1. 1-page, single-spaced essay describing your background, interests, accomplishments, challenges, and anticipated future plans. 

2. Request that a confidential reference letter/email be sent by a faculty member or teaching assistant from a class you have taken in political science, history, human rights, computer science, or area studies, where a research project was required. Your recommender should be able to comment on the quality of your academic work. If you are a transfer student, your letter may also come from a faculty member or teaching assistant from your previous institution. Alternatively, you may request a letter from a supervisor from a job or internship in the fields of political science, history, human rights, computer science, or area studies. In this case, your recommender should be able to speak to your analytical and research skills.

• Please request this as soon as possible, and tell your recommender that the requested receipt deadline is May 31, 2024. The letter may be sent directly to Olivia Grinberg.

3. Unofficial college transcript, including your Spring 2024 grades. If you are a transfer student, include an unofficial transcript from your previous institution.

4. A copy of your resume. 

Any questions may be directed to Saltzman Institute Coordinator Olivia Grinberg at ojg2112@columbia.edu.