David A. Plastino Scholars Program

The Plastino Scholars Program was established in 2007 by a gift from UD alumnus David A. Plastino. The Program awards study grants to selected undergraduate students at the University of Delaware who exhibit extraordinary talent, promise and imagination. The grants support self-designed, off-campus learning experiences that make a transformational difference in the lives of Plastino Scholars and enable them to pursue a passionate interest to a degree not otherwise possible. Normally, four Plastino Scholars will be awarded each year. The amount of each award will depend on the nature of the experience proposed.

Except in unusual circumstances, the maximum individual award will be $6,000.

ELIGIBILITY

Any undergraduate student at the University of Delaware may apply provided that, at the time of application, he or she is enrolled for at least twelve semester hours and has not completed more than five semesters.

CRITERIA

In order to be chosen as a Plastino Scholar, a student must present convincing evidence of exceptional intellectual, creative, civic or leadership ability through the application materials, written recommendations and a personal interview before the Scholars Selection Committee. The student must propose an experience that will allow the pursuit of a passionate interest well beyond the scope of an academic course, normal summer job, internship or enrichment program.

In short, to become a Plastino Scholar, a student must demonstrate

Exceptional ability and promise in some realm of endeavor that is within the University’s mission to foster
A compelling commitment to that endeavor
The imagination and resourcefulness to plan an experience likely to permit the expression of that ability in a way and to a degree not otherwise possible.

THE PLASTINO SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE

The range and nature of Scholar experiences will be bounded only by feasibility and the imagination and resourcefulness of successful applicants. The duration and location of the experience may vary accordingly, but the Scholar experience should be completed within a calendar year from the time a Scholar is awarded or before graduation from the University, whichever comes first.

The application should propose a Scholar experience that

reflects the scholar’s ability
advances the scholar’s passionate interest in some demonstrable fashion
is concretely and coherently conceived and planned
has a logical and definable duration
is appropriate under the terms of the program and within University rules, policies, and procedures
is supported by a budget demonstrating that the experience has been planned in an efficient and economical manner
is likely to affect the scholar’s life significantly

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Submit ONE ORIGINAL (signed) copy of your completed application no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 to:

Office of the Dean
College of Arts & Sciences
4 Kent Way
University of Delaware
Newark, DE 19716

2. Make sure those writing in support of your application send one original letter separately by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

Interviews for finalists will be scheduled for February, and awards will be announced soon thereafter.

For additional information, please contact:

Cynthia Schmidt-Cruz, PhD
Associate Professor of Spanish & Latin American Studies
207 Jastak-Burgess Hall
302-831-0439
Email: csc@udel.edu

APPLICATION MATERIALS

CLICK HERE for the Application form.