Our Programs

Pi Sigma Alpha seeks to promote excellence in the study of political science through a variety of programs, some of direct benefit to student members and local chapters and others benefitting more generally the profession of political science.These programs provide awards, scholarships, and lecture funding, and other benefits for members, chapters, and political scientists and political science programs.

McManus Washington Internship Scholarship

Pi Sigma Alpha awards four McManus Washington Internship Scholarships annually to members participating in political science internship programs in Washington, DC, for either the summer term or fall semester. Each scholarship is $2,000. Applications are due May 1.
Learn more and apply

Pennimen Graduate Scholarship

Howard Penniman Scholarships for Graduate Study are awarded annually to up to 5 members entering graduate school in political science. Nominations must come from the chapter advisors, accompanied by an official application.Nominations are due by May 1, and the winners are announced by June 15. Each scholarship is $2,000.
Learn more and apply

National Student Conference

Established in 2014, this event is designed to provide Pi Sigma Alpha members the opportunity to present original research in a professional conference setting. The event takes place over President’s Day Weekend in February.
Learn about the PSA Conference

Best Thesis Award

Each chapter adviser may nominate one per year in each category. Only Pi Sigma Alpha members are eligible to participate. Nominations are due on June 1; winners are announced by August 15. The cash awards are $250 for each first-place winner and $100 each for runners-up.
See previous winners

Best Chapter Awards

Best Chapter Awards are cash awards of $250 to up to three chapters in each of three college enrollment categories. The winning chapters may use the prizes for any activity they wish. The selection is based on chapters’ annual reports to the National Office, and other evidence of extraordinary levels of activity.
See previous winners

Best Class Paper Award

James Lengle Advisor Recognition Award

Pi Sigma Alpha Faculty Chapter Advisors are the life blood of the organization. Each year the national office recognizes one or two advisors for their service and leadership. There is a cash prize of $1000. There is no formal nomination process. In 2015, on the occasion of his retirement as Executive Director, the Executive Council voted to rename the Advisor Recognition Award in James Lengle’s honor.
Previous winners

Chapter Activity Grants

For more than fifty years this has been the primary means for the National Office to support creative programming by Pi Sigma Alpha chapters. The annual deadline for proposals is October 31. The submission process opens September 1 annually.
Apply for grants