Academic Honors and FellowshipsWhether you’re just beginning to explore fellowships or preparing to submit an application, these resources are designed to support you at every stage of the process. From discovering opportunities and identifying the right fit to strengthening your writing, preparing for interviews, and requesting letters of recommendation, you’ll find practical guidance to help you navigate each step with confidence.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before getting started. Use these resources to explore your interests, build your application materials over time, and return whenever you’re ready for your next step.
Discover Opportunities
Explore fellowships, scholarships, and academic opportunities that align with your interests, values, and future goals. Learn how to identify programs that are the right fit for your unique journey.
Fellowship Exploration Guide
This reflection guide will help you connect your experiences, skills, and goals to opportunities that match your interests.
AHF Advising Portfolio
Explore the awards and opportunities where our office provides advising, application support, and campus endorsement when applicable.
Awards & Fellowships Database
Filter and search for hundreds of fellowships and awards for current students and alumni based on fields of study, keywords, and more.
External Awards Databases
Search externally managed databases to find external funding for study abroad, graduate study, etc. USC does not manage these resources.
General Tips and Resources
Recorded Sessions
Explore our on-demand library of workshops, panels, and information sessions covering fellowships, undergraduate research, graduate school planning, writing strong application materials, and more. Whether you’re just getting started or preparing to apply, these recordings provide practical guidance, examples, and strategies you can revisit throughout your academic journey.
Seeking Letters of Recommendation
Strong letters of recommendation begin long before an application is submitted. This resource offers practical guidance for both students and recommenders on building meaningful mentoring relationships, selecting the right recommender, preparing supporting materials, and writing thoughtful, detailed letters that highlight a student’s strengths, growth, and potential.
Preparing for Campus Endorsement Interviews
Campus interviews are an opportunity to strengthen your application, receive constructive feedback, and demonstrate your readiness for nationally competitive fellowships. This guide explains the purpose of the campus endorsement process, what to expect during an interview, how to prepare effectively, and strategies for communicating your experiences, goals, and potential with confidence
Fellowship Fridays
Fellowship Fridays are informal drop-in advising sessions designed to help you explore awards and fellowships at any stage of your journey. Whether you’re just getting started, looking for guidance on next steps, or preparing for an upcoming application, these sessions provide a welcoming space to ask questions, learn about campus processes, and connect with AHF staff.
Additional Campus Resources
USC Writing Center: Provides free, individualized feedback on scholarship and fellowship essays and prompts. Learn more
Student Research: Research funding, research programs, and research centers for undergraduate and graduate students Learn more
USC Experts Directory: Search for USC faculty across disciplines by department or research topic to identify potential mentors or experts whose work aligns with your academic and research interests. Learn more
Student Travel: Overview of the policies, requirements, and resources needed to plan, register, and safely manage university-related international travel. Learn more
CURVE (Center for Undergraduate Research in Viterbi Engineering): Explore research opportunities, connect with faculty, and access resources to help you begin and grow your undergraduate research experience within the Viterbi School of Engineering. Learn more