Rithika Iyengar, a rising senior at Rice University, has been named a 2025 Key into Public Service Scholar by the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society and a leading voice for the liberal arts and sciences.
Iyengar is one of 20 students selected this year from more than 800 applicants nationwide. The program recognizes exceptional arts and sciences undergraduates who demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing careers in local, state or federal government. Each scholar receives a $5,000 scholarship and an invitation to an educational conference in Washington, D.C., designed to provide mentorship and training in public service leadership.
“Now is a critical time to highlight both the value of arts and sciences education and its application in public service careers to the benefit of the common good,” said Frederick M. Lawrence, secretary and CEO of Phi Beta Kappa. “The society applauds the Class of 2025 Service Scholars for their intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary depth, leadership and service to others.”
Iyengar is pursuing a double major in mathematical economic analysis and mathematics with a minor in poverty, justice and human capabilities. She is an active member of the Baker Institute Student Forum and Rice Rasikas. She has participated in numerous programs on campus, including Leadership Rice Mentorship Experience, Alternative Spring Break, Community Bridges and the Susan McAshan Fellowship. Currently studying abroad at Trinity College, University of Cambridge through the Abraham-Broad Fellowship, Iyengar will spend the summer working at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
After graduating from Rice, Iyengar plans to pursue a doctorate in economics with the goal of working in federal policy evaluation or international development.
“I am extremely thankful to the Phi Beta Kappa Society for honoring me with this award,” Iyengar said. “I am excited to broaden my knowledge of resources to engage in public service and meet like-minded scholars through the Key into Public Service conference. This scholarship will further empower me on my journey to an economics Ph.D through developing my insight in applying research to public policy. I am grateful to the Center for Civic Leadership for their invaluable help and support.”
The Key into Public Service program is inspired by the legacy of Phi Beta Kappa members who have advanced the public good, including Rhodes, Truman, Marshall and Fulbright scholars as well as Obama-Chesky Voyager and NAACP Marshall-Motley scholars.
The announcement of Iyengar’s award coincides with the initiation of 126 Rice seniors and recent graduates into the national Phi Beta Kappa Society. Rice has had a chapter since 1929.
“Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1776, in a time when our young nation was fighting for the right to speak and think freely; the mission of the society – to promote the liberal arts and a lifelong dedication to critical thinking and learning – is just as relevant in 2025 as it was then,” said Jennifer Wilson, president of Rice’s PBK chapter. “As we approach the celebration of 250 years of this seminal honor society, the Rice chapter hopes the Rice community will celebrate Rithika's award, the accomplishment of the new members being inducted at Rice, and the value of the ‘artes liberales.’"