Programs
Pi Sigma Alpha seeks to promote excellence in the study of political science through a variety of programs for student members and local chapters. As Pi Sigma Alpha continues to grow and prosper, the scope of programs for chapters and members may be expanded in the future to include bigger awards and/or more awards in each category.
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.
Penniman 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. The nomination deadline is May 1, and the winners will be announced by mid July. Each scholarship is $2,000
McManus Washington Internship Scholarship
Pi Sigma Alpha awards up to 5 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. The nomination deadline is May 1, and the winners will be announced by mid July.
Best Class Paper Award
Each chapter advisor 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.
Best Thesis Award
Each chapter advisor 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.
Best Chapter Awards
Best Chapter Awards are cash awards of $500 to up to six chapters in each of four 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. Advisors to the winner chapters receive an additional cash prize of $200 for their service.
Chapter Advisor Awards
Pi Sigma Alpha Faculty Chapter Advisors are the life blood of the organization. Each year the national office recognizes several advisors for their service and leadership in one of two categories: Best Chapter Advisor and James Lengle Advisor Recognition Awardee. The former recognizes those advisors who have gone above and beyond in the past academic year to support their students and encourage chapter activities. These awards come with a $250 cash prize. The latter award recognizes one or two faculty members who have served 20+ years and shown exceptional dedication to their chapters and Pi Sigma Alpha. The Lengle award comes with 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.