The Phi Beta Kappa Society Launches Key into Public Service 

WASHINGTON, DC – The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦBK), the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society, will announce today a new undergraduate scholarship program to connect promising arts and sciences students with opportunities in public service. ΦBK Secretary and CEO Frederick M. Lawrence will unveil the program at a career networking event on Capitol Hill co-hosted by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Partnership for Public Service and the D.C. Area Phi Beta Kappa Alumni Association.

“This is a strong example of how the arts and sciences can open the door to a meaningful, productive, and engaged life,” says Lawrence. “Students can thrive in cutting-edge careers that matter to the nation.” 

According to the Partnership, only 6 percent of the roughly 2 million permanent, full-time federal employees are under the age of 30, a number that has declined from 9% since 2010. “It’s a critical time to educate a new generation about government and inspire them to consider a career in public service,” noted Rick Kempinski, Senior Manager of Federal Workforce Programs at the Partnership. 

As a part of Key into Public Service, ΦBK will award $5,000 scholarships to a cohort of 20 rising sophomore, junior, and senior liberal arts and science majors with a demonstrated interest in public sector work. The Society will invite applications for the Service Scholars program in the fall of 2019, with awards announced the following spring. Additionally, the Society will provide in-person training, mentoring, and pathways into public service for recipients at a summer convening in 2020. For more information, visit pbk.org/KeyintoPublicService.