BIS in Individualized Study

Program Scholarships

Bachelor of Individualized Study Endowed Scholarship

The Bachelor of Individualized Study Endowed Scholarship was established in 2004 by Karole McKalip, MEd '81, and others, to benefit students in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) program. Ms. McKalip is a former director of the Academic Advising Center. She also served as an advisor for the BIS program. The recipient will be pursuing the Bachelor of Individualized Study degree; the Recipient will have successfully completed B.I.S. 300 or its equivalent, but have not taken B.I.S. 490/491 or its equivalent; the recipient will qualify based on merit and/or need. The recipient may be either a full-time or part-time student and may be either an in-state or out-of-state student. Students should apply using George Mason's scholarship portal. 

Dr. Kenneth Thompson Scholarship 

The Dr. Kenneth Johnson Scholarship was established in 2023 by Mr. Mido Hajaji to provide support for undergraduate students pursuing a bachelor of individualized studies. Scholarship recipients may be full-time or part-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state residents. Recipients will qualify on the basis of financial need. Preference will be given to single parents and/or veterans. Students should apply using George Mason's scholarship portal. 

Jack Fahey Giving Back Endowed Scholarship

The Jack Fahey Giving Back Endowed Scholarship was established in 2016 by Jack Fahey, BIS '94, to provide scholarship support for students in the Bachelor of Individualized Study Program. The fund supports scholarships for undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) Program. Students should apply using George Mason's scholarship portal. 

Linda D. Hemm BIS Endowed Scholarship 

In memory of his wife Linda. D. Hemm, Robert V. Hemm established the Linda D. Hemm BIS Endowed Scholarship in 2018. The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship support for undergraduate juniors or seniors pursuing a degree through the Bachelor in Individualized Study (BIS) Program. Recipients will qualify on the basis of academic merit. Applicants must submit a 250–500 word essay describing how the scholarship would benefit their BIS experience. Students should apply using George Mason's scholarship portal. 

Lucas Leadership Endowed Scholarship

The Lucas Leadership Endowed Scholarship was established in 2013 by Diane W. Schulte and David C. Miles to provide scholarship support to undergraduate students who are enrolled in the School of Integrative Studies who are majoring in human development and family science (HDFS), environmental and sustainability studies (EVSS), integrative studies (INTS) or the bachelor of individualized studies (BIS). Recipients may be either part-time or full-time students and may be in-state or out-of-state students. Recipients will qualify based on academic merit and must demonstrate exceptional leadership and ethics in all areas of academic and personal life. Preference will be given to students who are verified members of a recognized nonprofit group and who demonstrate leadership and service. This scholarship is renewable. Students should apply using George Mason's scholarship portal. 

School of Integrative Studies First Generation Quasi-Endowed Scholarship

To provide scholarship support for full-time undergraduate students who are pursing integrative studies, environmental sustainability studies, or bachelor's of individualized studies degrees. Recipients must be first-generation college students, may be in-state or out-of-state students, must be in good academic standing as defined by the university, and will qualify on the basis of financial need. Students should apply using George Mason's scholarship portal. 

School of Integrative Studies Founders Endowed Scholarship($1,000)

Application opens: February 7, 2025
Submission Deadline: April 1, 2025

Description: The School of Integrative Studies (SIS) Founder's Experiential Learning (EL) Scholarship is open to George Mason University students enrolled in integrative studies, human development and family science, BIS or environmental sustainability studies degrees and registered to participate in an EL program such as George Mason Study Abroad, Internship through George Mason GEO, internship class INTS 490, or other EL experience with travel and/or academic costs associated, during the spring, summer, fall or winter semesters. Scholarship award is approximately $1,000 and based on the expense of the program and strength of the student's application. Scholarships are need-based and merit-based. Each applicant is carefully considered by the School of Integrative Studies Awards Committee. The committee looks for applicants who have a strong academic record, demonstrate financial need, and are passionate about their experiential learning program. Applicants are encouraged to share special circumstances, personal stories, or any other connections that demonstrate why and how the student will benefit from their chosen program and the scholarship award.

Scholarship awards are designed to supplement a student's funds during their chosen program.

Scholarships will not be disbursed to students who cancel their participation in a program or if the program is cancelled. Students who withdraw from their program after disbursement are required to repay the scholarship. 

Eligibility Requirements for this Scholarship:

  • Applicant must be enrolled full time as an undergraduate student at George Mason University.
  • Applicant must be majoring in integrative studies, human development and family science, BIS or environmental sustainability studies.
  • Applicant must be accepted to an EL program (Study Abroad, internship, or other EL experience with travel and/or academic costs associated.
  • Applicant must have a 2.5 or greater GPA.
  • Applicant must have a current FAFSA or Alternative Need form on file with George Mason's Office of Student Financial Aid.

How to Apply:

Applications due by April 1. Apply through the Financial Aid Scholarships page. (Click on Mason Scholarship Application link)