Since 1974, the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship Program for Women in Graduate Study has made it possible for women of exceptional promise to become leaders in society. From a group of seven, the Olin Fellowship Network has grown to encompass more than 400 women — the women supported by the Olin Fellowship are citizen scholars, committed to the betterment of humanity.
The Fellowship provides unique and exclusive resources to catalyze a student’s development as a citizen scholar. In addition to the financial package, the Fellowship offers programming for academic, professional, and leadership development. The Olin Fellowship offers an opportunity to gain exposure to people addressing diverse and interdisciplinary problems that stimulates idea exchange, camaraderie and collaboration.
Olin Fellows have become professors, doctors, artists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and public servants, and continue to make a difference in our world. Today this legacy is stronger than ever. Our program is home to remarkable scholars from a considerable range of fields, each of whom builds on the legacy of the women who preceded them.
The Olin Fellowship Program was established at Washington University in 1974 in partnership with the Monticello College Foundation and named in honor of the time, talent and resources the Olin family dedicated to women in higher education.
Fall 2023 Admissions
In Fall 2023, the Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Fellowship for Women in Graduate Study merged with the Chancellor’s Graduate Fellowship, another distinguished university-wide fellowship program for outstanding scholars. The inaugural cohort of the Ann W. and Spencer T. Olin-Chancellor’s Fellowship (OCF) entered in Fall 2023. Scholars interested in applying for OCF in 2024 can learn more about the program and its benefits at the link.
Our Vision
To prepare women in graduate study to serve and lead at the highest level of society
Our Mission
To provide exceptional resources and support to academically and artistically talented women in graduate study who will contribute to the fellowship and grow our network of fellows and alumnae
Our Values
- Leadership: encourage opportunities that positively impact the experiences of fellows and others
- Service: promote a culture of service that guides fellows to a lifetime of contributions to society
- Integrity: embrace sensibilities of the Midwestern value system: honesty, cooperation, and hard work
- Inclusion: contribute to the creativity of thought and a robust learning environment for all our fellows
- Olin Fellows receive an annual stipend, full tuition remission, and a research allowance.
- Olin Fellows have access to preferred housing (through Quadrangle Housing) adjacent to both the Danforth & Medical campuses, subject to availability
- The Olin Fellowship has several annual events including Welcome Week, the annual Olin Fellowship She Leads at WashU, and the annual Monticello College Foundation Board of Trustees Dinner in Godfrey, IL.
- In addition to the financial benefits, Olin Fellows have access to professional development workshops, speaker events, networking opportunities, and social events throughout the academic year. Further, current Fellows have access to a robust alumnae network.
Meet our Fellows
Annual Report 2018–19
Inquiries about compliance should be addressed to:
Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
Washington University
Campus Box 1184
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
Specific information may be obtained from the departmental or administrative unit to which the student intends to apply.
Washington University encourages and gives full consideration to all applicants for admission, financial aid, and mentorship. The University does not discriminate in access to, or treatment of mentees in, its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or genetic information.