Josephine de Karman Fellowship
Scholarship Sponsored by Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust
Background
The Josephine de Karman Fellowship Trust was created in 1954 by the late Dr. Theodore von Karman to honor his sister Josephine, who passed away in Pasadena in 1951. The fellowship’s mission is to recognize and support graduate students whose academic accomplishments reflect the high standards associated with Dr. von Karman.
Stewardship and purpose
In 2023 the Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) assumed responsibility for the Josephine de Karman legacy. PCF will administer the awards in collaboration with a selection committee composed of qualified PhD reviewers. The fellowship is intended to help exceptional PhD candidates in their final year as they prepare to defend their dissertations.
Who is eligible
Applications are accepted only from final-year PhD students currently enrolled at one of the following institutions:
- California Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of Southern California
Eligibility details
- Open to PhD students in any field, including international students, provided they attend one of the universities listed above.
- Only those PhD candidates who will defend their dissertation in or about June 2027 are eligible.
- Undergraduates, master’s students, JD candidates, and postdoctoral researchers are not eligible.
- Applicants in the Humanities will receive special consideration.
Selection expectations
The de Karman Fellowships are highly competitive. Strong applicants typically present outstanding letters of recommendation, evidence of early and significant scholarly contributions, and have completed a substantial portion of their dissertation by the time they apply.
Application process and timeline
- Eligible candidates must apply online through the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Scholarship Portal. The 2026–2027 application cycle will open no later than August 1, 2025.
- Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM Pacific Time on January 29, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Award recipients for the 2026–2027 cycle will be announced in May 2026.
Post-award requirements
Any additional reporting or administrative requirements for fellowship recipients will be posted on the Scholarship Portal.