Harry and Orinda Silverstein Philosophy Fund
University of California, Berkeley
Key Statistics
Grant Amount
Varies by year
Location
Deadline
Varies by year
About this Scholarship
The Harry and Orinda Silverstein Philosophy Fund is a need-based scholarship established to support graduate students pursuing advanced study in philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley. This fund was created to honor the legacy of Harry and Orinda Silverstein, who were dedicated supporters of philosophical inquiry and education. The scholarship aims to provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate both academic promise and financial need, enabling them to focus on their philosophical research and academic development without undue financial burden. The fund is particularly intended for students engaged in areas of philosophy that align with the Silversteins’ interests, including ethics, epistemology, and the history of philosophy. Recipients of this scholarship are selected through a competitive process administered by the university’s philosophy department, with consideration given to the applicant’s academic record, research proposal, and financial circumstances. The scholarship amount varies annually depending on available funds and the number of recipients. This fund reflects the university’s commitment to supporting diverse and inclusive scholarship within the humanities and fostering a vibrant intellectual community in philosophy. Students interested in applying are advised to consult the philosophy department and the university’s financial aid office for current application procedures and deadlines, as these may change from year to year.
Eligibility & Overview
Financial Grant
Varies by year
Scholarship Type
Need based
What's Covered
Description
The Harry and Orinda Silverstein Philosophy Fund is designed to provide financial support to graduate students enrolled in the philosophy program at the University of California, Berkeley. Established through a philanthropic gift, the fund honors the Silversteins’ commitment to advancing philosophical scholarship and education. The scholarship primarily targets students who demonstrate financial need alongside academic excellence and a clear dedication to philosophical research. Applicants are typically graduate students pursuing a Master’s or PhD in philosophy, with research interests that may include but are not limited to ethics, epistemology, metaphysics, logic, and the history of philosophy. The selection process involves an evaluation of the applicant’s academic achievements, research proposal, letters of recommendation, and financial need documentation. The award amount is not fixed and can vary depending on the overall fund availability and the number of recipients in a given academic year. The scholarship may cover partial or full tuition fees, contribute toward living expenses, and assist with costs related to research activities such as conference travel or materials. The fund is administered by the university’s philosophy department in collaboration with the financial aid office to ensure that the scholarship reaches students who will benefit most from this support. While the scholarship is primarily need-based, academic merit remains a critical factor in the selection process. The Harry and Orinda Silverstein Philosophy Fund is part of the broader commitment of UC Berkeley to support graduate students in the humanities and foster a scholarly environment where philosophical inquiry can thrive. Students interested in this scholarship should regularly check the university’s official websites and contact the philosophy department for the most current application details and deadlines, as these may vary annually.
Key Benefits
Provides financial assistance to graduate philosophy students demonstrating need and merit
Supports tuition fees, living costs, and research-related expenses to reduce financial barriers
Encourages scholarly development in areas aligned with the Silversteins’ philosophical interests
Offers recognition and validation of academic and research excellence within the philosophy community
Financing Information
Funding Structure and Financial Support Details
The Harry and Orinda Silverstein Philosophy Fund operates as a need-based scholarship, with the amount awarded to each recipient depending on the available endowment funds and the financial need of the student. The fund is managed by the University of California, Berkeley, specifically through the philosophy department in partnership with the university’s financial aid office. The scholarship does not have a fixed monetary value; instead, the grant amount varies each year based on the total contributions to the fund and the number of qualified applicants. This flexible funding approach allows the university to allocate resources effectively to support as many students as possible who meet the criteria. The scholarship can cover a range of expenses including tuition fees, mandatory university charges, living expenses such as housing and food, and costs associated with academic research, such as conference attendance, books, and materials. Recipients typically receive the award as a direct credit toward their tuition or as a stipend to assist with living costs. The application process requires submission of detailed financial information to assess need accurately, alongside academic records and research proposals. The university encourages applicants to apply for multiple funding sources, as the Silverstein Fund may be combined with other scholarships, grants, or assistantships. Students are advised to consult with the financial aid office to understand how this scholarship integrates with other financial aid packages and to plan their funding accordingly.
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* Disclaimer: Information provided here is subject to change. Prospective applicants should verify all details, including eligibility, deadlines, and award amounts, directly with the University of California, Berkeley’s philosophy department or financial aid office before applying.