In accordance with the primary mission of the fund, the Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Scholarship Endowment awards the Waring Merit Scholarship to Anthropology majors at UWG on a semesterly base. The awards offset the cost of education for students, taking into account the costs of tuition, fees, books, and room and board. Successful candidates will receive a $1500 scholarship.


Who is Eligible

  • Graduating high school seniors who will attend UWG and major in Anthropology
  • Newly declared Anthropology majors at UWG
  • Current Anthropology majors at UWG
  • Transfer students who major in Anthropology at UWG


How to Apply

Please follow these essay guidelines, including the writing prompts below. All material must be:

  • Typed
  • Double-spaced
  • 750-1000 words
  • Formally structured to include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion
  • In AAA citation format


Writing Prompts

For First-Time Applicants/First-Year Majors:

“Why I Chose to Major in Anthropology”: The essay should include a discussion of the applicant’s developing interest in anthropology and how the applicant sees anthropology as part of their future goals.

For Second-Year-and-Above Majors:

Fall Semester, Odd Years: "While generations have had their future doomsday scenarios, the issues that this generation is grappling with are possibly different in scope and scale, everything from global warming to the consolidation of wealth and power, to international violence and ethnic conflict, to the current global pandemic. Explain how anthropology and/or its subfields could contribute to better understanding and resolving one of these challenges. Identify one challenge that you think is most critical and incorporate/apply two or more subfield perspectives in your response." In addition, cite at least two anthropologists whose work has particularly influenced your thinking on the subject.

Fall Semester, Even Years: “Identify a world problem or challenge that would benefit from an anthropological approach. If this is within your planned career path, please feel free to write on your chosen career; otherwise, think broadly about where you think anthropology could best serve within our global world.” In addition, cite at least two anthropologists whose work has particularly influenced your thinking on the subject.

Spring Semester, Odd Years: “Why does cultural and biological diversity matter? Include examples of how diversity helps address contemporary challenges.” In addition, cite at least two anthropologists whose work has particularly influenced your thinking on the subject.

Spring Semester, Even Years: “Identify an issue currently in the news and analyze it using an anthropological perspective: What are relevant cultural, linguistic, social, political, economic, biological contexts of the issue? What worldviews underlie the issue? What effects does it have on those most at risk?” In addition, cite at least two anthropologists whose work has particularly influenced your thinking on the subject.

Apply and submit writing requirements in the above parts I and II through the scholarships portal.

Apply Now


How Recipients are Selected

Applicants will be evaluated on the following attributes:

  • Quality of their essay
  • Current GPA 
  • Current performance in Anthropology courses 
  • Engagement in anthropology-related extracurricular activities

NOTE: Awards are additional to any other grants or aid the student may receive. 

Disbursement of the scholarship payment depends on:

  • Being a declared Major in Anthropology at the University of West Georgia
  • Enrolling in and successfully completing 12 semester hours of full-time coursework and at least one Anthropology course during each semester of the award

The recipients of scholarships are determined by the UWG Anthropology faculty based upon consideration of academic achievement and potential for scholarly growth. Scholarships are competitive in nature. Guidelines for scholarship awards and awardee qualifications are established by the faculty subject to change. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee that a student will receive the award.

Questions? Contact us: aps@westga.edu

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