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Rhea S. Schwartz Scholars Program at Penn State

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About

The Rhea S. Schwartz Scholars Program in the College of the Liberal Arts was created by Rhea Schwartz, a 1971 Penn State alumna, and her husband, Paul Wolff to support undergraduate students in the College of the Liberal Arts pursuing education abroad, work abroad, or internship programs connected to Jewish Studies, Israel, or the Jewish community.

After graduating from Penn State with a degree in French as well as a teaching degree, Rhea earned her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. She retired following a distinguished career that included stints with a law firm, the United States Department of Education, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Center for Israeli Studies at American University. Paul retired after decades as a civil and criminal litigation attorney with Williams and Connolly, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm. He earned his juris doctorate at Harvard University after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin.

Application Details

What kind of enrichment experiences will be considered?

Experiences can include education abroad, international internships, or domestic internships located in the State of Israel or other location that are in some way connected to Jewish Studies, Israel, or the Jewish community. Internship experiences can include programs with a Jewish community organization (religious or cultural, e.g., YIVO, Workers Circle, Jewish museums, Yiddish Book Center). Jewish Studies majors are also encouraged to apply.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility requirements include:

  • At least one major declared in the College of the Liberal Arts;
  • Participation in a confirmed experience; and
  • Completion of the TSN approval process for international travel outside of Penn State Education Abroad programs.

Details about the TSN approval process available below.

How do I apply?

To apply for the Rhea S. Schwartz Scholars Program, Liberal Arts majors should submit an enrichment application via the online Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds Application System. 

Application requirements will include:

  • Basic Information: In the online application system, applicants MUST check the box indicating that they are applying for the Schwartz Scholars Program. Applicants will be asked to provide basic details about the experience and provide short answers to questions like “What do you hope to gain from this experience,” etc.
  • List of Expenses: Applicants will also be required to provide a detailed list of expenses for which funding is being requested.
  • Acceptance Letter and Résumé: Provide a copy of your acceptance/offer letter for your program, in addition to an updated version of your résumé.
  • TSN Approval (if necessary): Students planning University-affiliated international travel that is not part of a Penn State Education Abroad program MUST complete Penn State’s international travel requirements for non-credit travel BEFORE your application will be considered for funding. Please note that meeting the University’s international travel requirements is mandatory to receive funding. Proof of completion should ideally be submitted with your application. You can get started by visiting the Penn State Travel Safety Network (TSN) website. Visit the FAQ section of our enrichment funds website for more details on this process.


Students selected as recipients of the Rhea S. Schwartz Scholars Program will receive their award in their Penn State student bursar account the semester during which their experience takes place. Students taking a Leave of Absence (LOA) in the semester of their enrichment activity are not eligible for funding. More information about the disbursement of enrichment funds can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of our website.

Students who are NOT selected for the Schwartz Scholars Program will automatically be considered for our general Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds. There is no need to submit a separate application.

When can I apply?

Applications should be submitted during the timeframe listed below for the semester your program takes place.

  • Fall Semester Experiences: August-November
  • Spring Semester Experiences: November-February
  • Summer Semester Experiences: March-June (Note: The final summer deadline is June 1. Applications will not be accepted after June 1 for the summer semester.)

All applications will be considered on a funds-available basis.

Additional Questions?

Visit the Liberal Arts Enrichment Funds website for more information and answers to other frequently asked questions.

For more information about this program, contact the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network.

Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network
 101 Sparks Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone: 814-865-1070
Email: lanetwork@psu.edu

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