Dorothy M. and Maurice C. Shapirto Traveling Fellowship

The Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research is pleased to announce the opening of the 2012 application process for GW’s Shapiro Traveling Fellowship.

This unique award, generously supported by the Dorothy M. and Maurice C. Shapiro Endowment, makes possible extraordinary experiences abroad.

Application forms are available below and online at the CUFR website - http://www.gwu.edu/~fellcent/opportunity/Shapirotraveling.cfm

If you wish to discuss a Shapiro Traveling proposal, please contact us at fellcent@gwu.edu .

DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 5, 2012 - Deadline for student application materials and verification/organization letters.

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DOROTHY M. AND MAURICE C. SHAPIRO TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP

PURPOSE: The Dorothy M. And Maurice C. Shapiro Traveling Fellowship enables students to carry out original and substantial intellectual, cultural, artistic or humanistic projects that will generally (but not exclusively) require travel abroad, and which otherwise might be impossible to undertake. Eligible projects may range from public service, to independent or sponsored research and writing, to artistic endeavors. Eligible project may also involve, but should not be limited to formal study in a university. The Shapiro Traveling Fellowship especially encourages creative but serious proposals that may or may not fit the usual or traditional models for study abroad. The proposed plan will generally involve an international experience (which can involve more than one country), but outstanding domestic proposals will also be considered.

ELIGIBILITY:

· Graduating seniors and recent graduates of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Public Health and Health Services, or the Elliott School of International Affairs are eligible to apply.

· U.S. citizenship is required,

· A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4.

Preference will be given to applicants with the least experience abroad. Applicants who have spent substantial time in the country/countries proposed in their applications will not be considered. Full- or part-time regular employees of governmental agencies are not eligible to apply.

DURATION: One academic year. Non-renewable.

PROPOSAL: Fellowship proposals will generally involve, but need not be limited to, innovative public service projects abroad, and/or substantial independent research abroad, and/or creative projects involving foreign or domestic travel. Formal academic study may form a part of the proposed project, but should not be the sole activity. The award may be used toward direct reasonable travel costs and living expenses, tuition, fees, or other expenses directly related to the purpose stipulated. The proposed plan will generally involve an international experience (which can involve more than one country), but outstanding, creative domestic proposals will also be considered. Innovative but serious proposals that may or may not fit the usual or traditional models should offer exceptional opportunities for the student's intellectual, cultural, artistic, humanistic, or personal growth and development. Proposals must include a detailed justification of the program or project.

AWARD: For the 2012-13 academic year, approximately $16,000 will be available to fund the Shapiro Traveling Fellowship, depending on the proposed cost of the project.

CRITERIA: Proposals are accepted from all disciplines, majors and fields within the Elliott School of International Affairs, the Columbian School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Public Health and Health Services.

Three selection criteria are mandatory:

1) Proven academic accomplishments;
2) Demonstrated civic and/or public service commitment;
3) Evidence of leadership qualities.

Preference may be given to students with a clearly developed plan for applying for prestigious national fellowships - such as the Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, Mitchell and/or Gates awards - subsequent to their Traveling fellowship.

DOCUMENTATION:

1) Application form, completed and signed;
2) Resume (must include any honors, scholarships/fellowships, internships, employment, professional training, and significant campus and community activities);
3) Transcript(s) of all university work (official or unofficial, including GW’s); no web-based transcripts please;
4) Proposal (page 5 of the application), a detailed outline of your proposed plan of academic study, public service, or research, or a combination of the areas;
5) Personal statement (page 5 of the application);
6) Two letters of reference;

[Please note – items 7-9 below require advance contact with your cooperating individuals and organizations - please be in touch with these at the earliest possible moment if you plan to apply for a Shapiro Traveling Fellowships]

7) Verification from a faculty member (in the US and/or abroad) that he or she will generally supervise research (not for credit) - (research proposals only);
8) Letter from organization(s) through which public service will be performed stating their willingness to place the Fellow and confirming that the Fellow cannot accept compensation - (public service proposals only);
9) Letter of acceptance from academic institution (academic plans only).

APPLICATIONS: Applications are available at <http://www.gwu.edu/%7Efellcent/Applications/Shapiro%20Traveling%20Application%202012%282%29.pdf>. An interview with the Shapiro Traveling Fellowship Committee may be required for applicants.

DEADLINE: Applications (student application materials, letters of reference, and verification/organization letters) must be returned to the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research at 714 21st Street NW by Monday, March 5, 2012.

REQUIREMENTS: All Shapiro Fellows will at the end of their fellowship period prepare two written reports drawing upon the experience and knowledge acquired during their Fellowship. The first report would describe the Fellow's experiences during the Fellowship period. The second would be on a topic of his or her choice, suitable in style and quality for publication.