Charles H. Percy Undergraduate Grant for Public Affairs Research

Charles Percy: An Entrepreneurial Life

Charles H. Percy: An Entrepreneurial Life

Bill Brandt: A Pillar of Public Service

Tribute to Bill Brandt: A Pillar of Public Service

The Institute of Governmental Studies will award up to four research grants annually in the amount of $1,000 each to UC Berkeley undergraduate students who are conducting research on an aspect of American politics, including public opinion, electoral behavior, civic participation, government institutions, social movements, and public policy. Students from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged to apply.

This grant is made possible by a generous donation from the late Bill Brandt and his wife, Patrice Bugelas-Brandt

Bill and Patrice named the award after Senator Charles H. Percy, a moderate Republican who represented Illinois in the U.S. Senate from 1967 to 1985. Patrice began her professional career working for Senator Percy as his press secretary from 1973-1977.  A dedicated public servant, Senator Percy is known for consistently reaching across the aisle to make progress on critical issues – from ending housing discrimination to securing equal rights for women and opposing the escalation of American involvement in the Vietnam War. Learn more about Senator Percy.

Eligibility

Applicants must be registered UC Berkeley undergraduate students conducting original research on an aspect of American politics. Applicants must be enrolled in Spring 2024 to qualify. Research topics may include public opinion, electoral behavior, civic participation, government institutions, social movements, and public policy. All award recipients will be invited to present their research at the Percy Synar Award Ceremony and Reception during the spring semester.

Grant Funds

Award recipients will be issued a $1,000 grant in the form of a stipend. Funds may be used to cover research expenses (e.g., traveling to research sites, transcription services, buying a dataset, photocopying archival materials, etc.). 

Recipients & Research