The Board of Directors of Romanians of Washington, DC is proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship designed to raise awareness about careers in public policy. Named in honor of George Pomuț — a Union Army General, U.S. diplomat, lawyer, businessman, and a proud member of the Romanian-American community — this scholarship provides stipends of up to $2,500 for career-related internships in government, nonprofits, public law, and think tanks. It is specifically aimed at supporting undergraduate students of Romanian descent.
Why Was This Scholarship Created
The scholarship was born out of the realization that too few Romanians are represented in public policy roles or among key decision-makers. One of its primary goals is to foster greater access for Romanian-Americans to careers in public policy. By offering this financial support, we aim to provide recipients with the opportunity to network with professionals established in public service and finance, while also recognizing their academic and leadership accomplishments. Internships in these sectors offer invaluable experience, but many are unpaid, making them financially inaccessible for students — especially those living outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area. This scholarship aims to bridge that gap.
Who Was George Pomuț?
The Scholarship is named in honor of George Pomuț (often spelled in English as Pomutz), a distinguished figure in both American and Romanian history. Born in Gyula (present-day Hungary) in 1818, Pomuț emigrated to the United States in 1850 after serving as a Royal Prosecutor in France and as a Captain in the 1848 Hungarian Revolution. In the U.S., he became a successful lawyer and businessman in Iowa. During the Civil War, Pomuț enlisted as a first lieutenant in the 15th Iowa Infantry Regiment and participated in key battles such as Vicksburg and Atlanta, earning recognition for his leadership and bravery. After the war, President Andrew Johnson nominated him for promotion to brevet brigadier general. In 1866, Pomuț was appointed U.S. Consul General to Saint Petersburg, where he served for 12 years under three different presidents. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the negotiations that led to the Alaska Purchase in 1867. In honor of his legacy, the World War II Liberty Ship SS George Pomutz was named after him, funded by donations from Romanian-Americans.
Who is Eligible
To qualify for the stipend, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens or permanent residents, full-time undergraduate students during Fall 2024, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, and in good academic and financial standing.
- Reside outside the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
- Have secured an unpaid internship in government, nonprofit, public law, or think tank sectors. The internship must be full-time (35 to 40 hours per week) and last at least 6 weeks during Spring 2025.
When Will It Be Available
The scholarship will launch in Fall 2024 to support internships for the Spring 2025 semester. As directed by the Board of Directors, a maximum of three individuals will receive the scholarship each year.
Application Process
Applications for the Spring 2025 scholarship will be accepted from October 1st to November 30th, 2024. Students are encouraged to secure an internship and submit their applications as early as possible for the best chance of receiving the scholarship.
The Romanians of DC Review Committee, which includes representatives from think tanks, the U.S. Administration, and members of the Romanians of DC Board, will evaluate all applications. During the review process, applicants may be asked to participate in an interview. All applicants will be informed of the committee’s decision via email within two weeks of the application deadline. Successful applicants will have one week from the date of notification to accept or decline the award.
Romanians of DC plans to award up to three scholarships, each valued at $2,500. The scholarship will be paid directly to the recipients to cover expenses incurred during their internships. Proof of enrollment in an internship within the DC metropolitan area must be submitted before funds are disbursed.
What is Required to Apply?
Applicants must submit:
- A completed Application Form with an attached essay.
- A Résumé or CV.
- A signed copy of the internship offer letter on the organization’s letterhead.
- One Letter of Recommendation from a member of the Romanian-American community in the U.S.