The Merritt Writing Fellowship celebrates first-year undergraduate writers who demonstrate exceptional analytical skills, creativity, and research promise. This award highlights the important role first-year writers play as early scholars—connecting meaningfully with readers, bringing visibility to vital topics, and inspiring positive change through their work.
Eligible students must have completed WRI 1 by Spring 2025, with WRI 10 completion preferred but not required. First- and second-year students at UC Merced with a minimum 2.8 GPA are encouraged to apply. The application requires an instructor endorsement (up to 250 words) and a final draft of a major writing project that showcases analytical and creative excellence supported by research.
Applications are due by Friday, April 11, 2025. Students must secure an endorsement from a current or past UCM writing instructor as part of their submission.
The recipient of the $1000 fellowship will be announced by April 30, 2025. They will be honored at a luncheon hosted by the Merritt Writing Program and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts in early May. Additionally, the recipient’s writing will be featured on the MWP website.
