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 of good character 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.

The call for applications will be made each year toward the end of fall semester. Applications fall due the end of January. After careful review of applications and supporting materials, a selection panel composed of members of the faculty and a representative from the Star of the West Board will announce the recipients in mid-February.

Recipients are expected 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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SAMPLE PROJECTS FOR THE STAR OF THE WEST INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOLARSHIP 2008

William Brim, Germany. Summer 2008 I traveled to Germany to immerse myself in German language and culture by taking classes at two branches of the Goethe Institute from early June until late July. My time was divided equally between the cities of Bremen in the North and Schwäbisch Hall in the South. I enrolled in two four-week intensive courses, spending half the day in the classroom and the other half on cultural outings sponsored by the Institutes. I was even able to stay with a German family to learn about their lifestyle. As a biology and German major, I am currently applying for a Research in Science and Engineering Grant for summer 2009, offered by the German Academic Exchange Service, in preparation for dental school.

Richard Doelling, Venezuela. This past summer I used the Star of the West award to study at VENUSA University in Mérida and to travel through the country. Taking classes together with Venezuelan students and meeting people from all walks of life while touring afforded me invaluably diverse cultural perspectives. This was truly the most memorable summer of my life. The experience opened my eyes to a side of the world I had never seen before and informed my pending application for a Fulbright Research Scholarship to return to Venezuela to study changing modes of national identity in the wake of Hugo Chávez' Bolivaran Revolution.

Chris Thurmond, Senegal. Senegal might very well be the hottest place on Earth during the summer months, but the heat made the river by my village that much more appealing. For two months I worked at a local medical clinic in the village of Guereo, assisting the nurse, dressing wounds, and giving shots. When I wasn't at the clinic, I was delving into the local Muslim culture. When I realized the Senegalese spoke French only with foreigners, I decided to learn Wolof, their native language. I tried to do everything as they did: I ate what they ate, showered with a bucket, and slept on a mat on the floor. I learned to see the world through the eyes of an African. This fall I applied for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Chile, where I hope to use international public-health issues in my instruction.

Angela Yenca, France. This summer I went to Southern France with Dr Toubiana of the Citadel French section. I took classes while living with a French family and traveled throughout the region in our free time. I not only learned the ins and outs of French culture through my travels and homestay but also gained practical language experience. Having to use French in every aspect of daily life required me to become comfortable participating in conversation. Through the classes, my French reading and writing skills improved immensely, and I befriended students from many corners of the world. Next fall I will apply for various international fellowships to ready myself for a career in humanitarian relief work and refugee resettlement.

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APPLICATION

The application for summer 2010 will be available here starting 1 December 2009.

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, campus email address, current academic classification, and description/location of your proposed study, eg,

John Arthur Evans ( 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 Professor Gurganus in the Fellowships Office, Bond 153, by noon Friday, 29 January 2010.

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 Friday, 29 January. Thank you for taking time to assess the merit of the applicant's proposal.