ATLANTA — The Stamps and Presidential scholarships at Georgia State University represent the pinnacle of undergraduate achievement — awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional academic excellence, leadership and ambition. These prestigious scholarships cover the full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing and a living stipend, and provide exclusive access to enrichment funds, research assistantships and personalized mentoring.
The Stamps and Presidential scholarships are more than financial aid — they are gateways to opportunity. “[My scholarship] allows me to focus on my studies and applying myself to my craft,” said Presidential Scholar Andrés Lewis. Stamps Scholar Ethan Yancy highlighted how his scholarship connects him to University Assistantship Programs (UAPs) and study abroad. Presidential Scholar Jalen Johnson credited his scholarship with enabling “research opportunities, internships and fellow ambassadorships.”
For the high-achieving students who are awarded the Stamps or Presidential scholarships, the Honors College becomes more than a place of learning — it becomes a launchpad for global exploration, intellectual growth and lifelong community.
Expectations vs. Reality
When students choose Georgia State University’s Honors College, they arrive with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For Presidential Scholar Jay VuPham, it was the promise of “a diverse community of folks geared to learn more about the world.” Stamps Scholar Keerthi Dwarampudi imagined “a tight-knit group of people with similar viewpoints … late-night study sessions … and a city full of opportunities.”
Now, after more than a semester, many students say their expectations have not only been met but exceeded.
“The folks I've encountered within the Honors College have gone above and beyond my expectations,” said VuPham.
Stamps Scholar Animesh Shrestha — an international student — said, “My experience here has not only met but exceeded my expectations, both academically and personally.”
Honors Courses
All scholars will start their first year with the Honors 1000 seminar taught by Honors College Dean Sarah Cook. The seminar is tailored to build a sense of community within each cohort of Stamps and Presidential scholars and introduces seminar-style learning that enables students to learn from each other. Each member’s contributions are valued and the conversations revolve around an academic text selected by the dean.
Johnson called it “by far my most engaging class,” praising the personal connections it fostered. Dwarampudi appreciated how “Dean Cook made it interactive, creating a space where each of our voices were heard.” For Shrestha, the course provided research skills that now support his Undergraduate Assistantship.
Beyond the Honors 1000 seminar, Honors students are passionate about their coursework and enjoy Honors class offerings, such as “The Kiss of Death: Contagion & Contamination in the Popular Imaginary,” “Urban Ecology & Environmental Conservation” and “Growing Up Different: Atypical Development and Its Depiction in Popular Media.” VuPham’s favorite class is African American Literature, where “discussion usually dominates the class.” Shrestha enjoyed History of Motion Pictures, calling it “a fun and engaging way to learn about film history.”
The Power of the UAP
The Honors College is home to the University Assistantship Program (UAP), which is a cornerstone of the Honors College experience. For Stamps and Presidential scholars, this program pairs students with a department or professional office of interest, providing an opportunity for scholars to work on special projects or research that align with their academic or professional goals and interests.
Shrestha works in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics under Professor Yichuan Zhao, conducting research and tutoring students. “Being involved in teaching has sharpened my communication skills,” he said.
Dwarampudi’s UAP with International Initiatives has helped her develop “attention to detail, multitasking and data management,” preparing her for a global business career.
A Community That Uplifts
The Honors College fosters deep connections. Lewis has found “close friends, study buddies, and future roommates.” Johnson values the bonds he’s formed with fellow STEM majors and the African American community. Stamps Scholar Eesha Sharma said, “I have formed some of my life’s closest bonds among the scholar cohort.”
This sense of community is also a source of motivation. “Being surrounded by other academically driven students helps uplift me,” said Sharma. Yancy added, “Seeing like-minded individuals excel definitely prompts me to work hard.”
Final Reflections
When asked to sum up their experience, students spoke with gratitude and pride. “My scholarship gives me the freedom to focus on academics without financial stress,” said Shrestha. “The Honors College has opened doors to incredible opportunities … shaping my future in ways I never imagined.”
Dwarampudi echoed that sentiment: “Thanks to my scholarship, I can focus on what I love, and the Honors College at GSU is the perfect mix of inspiration and support.”
Click here to learn more about the Stamps and Presidential scholarships or take the eligibility quiz here.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.