Frederick Douglass Fellowships
Application Instructions
Applicants must be in their sophomore or junior year at Washington College.
This is a spring semester grant; the fellowship term will run from January through May.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the Starr Center’s Jill Ogline to discuss their draft proposals.
Your application should include: (Download application form in PDF.)
- A brief proposal (1-2 pages) describing a research project you would like to pursue in African-American studies (subjects may range from history, politics, and sociology to art, literature, and music, and beyond). Topics pertaining to—in the words of the donors—other "minority American" fields (Asian-American studies, gay and lesbian studies, Latino studies) will also be considered. Examples of fundable topics: "Free Black Communities in 19th-Century Kent County," "African-American Voting Patterns in the 2004 Election," "Jazz and the Art of Romare Bearden."
You should briefly describe:
- Why you are interested in your chosen topic
- A few questions you hope to answer
- How you plan to go about your research
- A proposed budget. You may use the fellowship money to replace income you would otherwise earn from a part-time job during the semester, to purchase books, fund research trips, etc.
- A copy of your Washington College transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable; you may print one through Web Advisor)
- The name of a faculty member who would help to guide your project. You should plan to meet with your mentor once every week or two. Your application must be signed by the proposed faculty mentor.
- A brief list of up to five of your most meaningful academic or extracurricular activities, or personal hobbies.
Applications for Spring 2009 are due to the Starr Center’s mailbox in William Smith Hall by October 30, 2008.
