PURPOSE AND PURVIEW

The Star of the West International Summer Scholarship is a one-time grant of up to $7,500 to support the academic enrichment of cadets whose project proposals present a clear connection between the summer experience and their goals after graduation. Special consideration is accorded to applicants pursuing highly competitive awards for graduate study, such as Fulbright, Marshall, Rhodes, or Truman scholarships. Particularly distinguished recipients may be invited to apply for a second or third grant.

Eligible for the Star of the West International Summer Scholarship are rising cadet sophomores, juniors, and seniors posting a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. Applicants must submit a narrative proposal, detailed budget, and letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

APPLICATION TIMELINES FOR Summer 2012:

There is a two-round application process:

Early decision

The SCholarship Committee met on December 6 and recommended 13 awards for 2012. We anticipate awarding another 10-15 in the spring, see below!

Spring decision

All completed applications must be received by noon, Friday 10 February 2012.  The review panel can give you a decision by Friday, 24 February. Note, if your application is denied during the early deadline period, we will hold your application so it can compete with those submitted in February! You will still be eligible for the award.

Recipients are required to file a report on their activities and a detailed listing of expenditures with receipts for the Star of the West Board of Directors.

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APPLICATION FORMAT FOR Summer 2012

The Star of the West International Summer Scholarship application consists of two single-spaced pages (with one-inch margins) formatted in twelve-point Times New Roman font. Follow the instructions carefully to insure full consideration of your application. Do not encase your application in a binder; simply staple the two pages together.

PAGE ONE is composed of a two-paragraph, narrative proposal, not to exceed 500 words. As this essay will afford the selection panel insight into your ability to organize and articulate your thoughts, take great care in writing it.

On PAGE ONE begin with a centered title including your full name, CWID, campus email address, current academic classification, and description/location of your proposed study, eg,

John Arthur Evans, CWID3333343 ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), 2A, Citadel Summer Study in Spain

In the first sentence of the first paragraph state your major(s), minor(s) cumulative GPA, eg,

A political science (international) major and Spanish minor, I am currently posting a 3.33 cumulative GPA.

Fill out the rest of the first paragraph by providing the exact dates and host institution (if applicable) of your proposed study and the curriculum of the program with which you wish to affiliate. If you propose independent research, ie, a project unaffiliated with a host institution, explain in detail the thesis, methodology, and anticipated outcome of your research.

In the second paragraph of PAGE ONE identify your plans upon graduation and clarify how the Star of the West International Summer Scholarship will further progress toward your goal.

On PAGE TWO present a detailed budget. The total program cost is not to exceed $7,500. Estimates must be precise and verifiable by source (provide URLs where necessary). In large part your application will be rated on how closely you approximate anticipated expenses. Include costs of registration, tuition, accommodation, meals (a maximum of $25 per diem if not included in program package), visa fee (if any), airfare, ground transportation, and excursions. List the total as your bottom line.

Your two-page application must be accompanied by a LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from the faculty member most familiar with your academic preparation and suitability for the proposed project. Allow your referee at least ten days to draft the letter. Provide the referee with a complete copy of your application, as (s)he will be expected to comment on the viability of your proposal. Refer your recommender to this site for instructions for completing the letter, or cut and paste the instructions below and email them to your instructor or adviser. Collect the sealed letter and deliver it with your application to Dr Sparks in the Fellowships Office, Bond 370U, by noon Friday, 10 February 2012.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFEREES

Please read carefully the candidate's application for a Star of the West International Scholarship. On departmental letterhead please give your candid assessment of the applicant's preparation, suitability, and potential. All references will remain confidential. Yours is the ONLY reference the candidate will submit. Please give it to the candidate in an envelope signed on the seal. The deadline for receipt of applications with recommendations is noon 18 November. Thank you for taking time to assess the merit of the applicant's proposal.