The purpose of the UD POSCIR Experiential Learning Fund is to provide current students opportunities to participate in hands-on learning—through internships, academic research, real-world research in the private or public sector, and/or firsthand interactions with experts and the community. Such experience helps students understand the field in which they hope to work as well as improves their chances of later securing fulfilling employment.
The Fund will provide $2,500 stipends to a minimum of two students each year to participate in an experiential learning experience.
All undergraduates with at least sophomore standing who major in either Political Science or International Relations are eligible to apply for this stipend. Graduating seniors in their final semester are not eligible to apply. The internship or supervised research activity proposed must be directly relevant to the student's major. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Awards will be made to applicants with the strongest credentials and whose proposed project is anticipated to make the greatest contribution to future student success. Preference will be granted to applicants proposing unpaid internships.
To apply, students should submit the following:
- A letter (up to 300 words) describing the internship or research opportunity and explaining the benefits the student hopes to derive from it.
- A forwarded letter or email confirming the offer of the internship or research opportunity
- Resume
- Unofficial transcript
- Letter of recommendation from a UD faculty member
Submit all materials in an email to AWARD-SUBMISSIONS@udel.edu. List “Experiential Learning Stipend" as the subject line. Deadline: November 1 for a winter or spring term project and April 1 for a summer or fall project.
Paul Dolan Undergraduate Fellowship Award
Each year the Department of Political Science and International Relations awards a Paul Dolan Undergraduate Fellowship to a student who shows by her/his scholarship and character great promise for the study of law for the public good. The award is for a rising senior and provides $10,000 towards the next year’s tuition. To be considered a candidate for this award, we ask that you submit a statement of your interests, a copy of your academic transcripts and two letters of recommendation (at least one of the letters must be from an academic source). Your statement should introduce you to the Awards and Honors Committee and tell us why you should be the recipient of this fellowship. In your statement, we ask that you summarize your academic credentials, share with us your career interests in public law, and indicate how your studies at the University of Delaware have prepared you for a career in law for the good of the greater public. The content of the letter should not exceed 1,500 words (using Arial font, size 12 and single-spaced).Please send all replies to Barbara Ford in the Department of Political Science and International Relations. AWARD-SUBMISSIONS@udel.edu List “DOLAN award” as the subject line. Deadline: April 1, 2021. **Please include your UD ID NUMBER on correspondence.
Joseph Donald Craven Prize
The Joseph Donald Craven Prize is awarded each year for the best essay submitted on what changes should be made in the Constitution of the United States and/or the economic system of the United States to further the interest of democracy and make the government more responsive to the will of the people. Essays do not need to be long; 1,000-2,000 words is suggested. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize. All Political Science, International Relations, and History majors are encouraged to submit entries. This prize was established in 1985 by The Honorable Joseph D. Craven, former Attorney General of the State of Delaware. Deadline: April 1, 2021 to AWARD-SUBMISSIONS@udel.edu Please list "Craven Essay" in the subject line. **Please include your UD ID NUMBER on correspondence.
Robert Barrie Ulin Award
Each year the Department of Political Science and International Relations awards one outstanding political science major and one outstanding international relations major with the Robert Barrie Ulin Award. This award is given to a senior for their outstanding academic achievement. Only a select few of graduating political science and international relations majors are eligible. As the Robert Barrie Ulin Awardee, students will speak at the convocation ceremony and be the recipient of a $500 cash award. Students invited to be considered for the Ulin Award should submit a brief statement of their interests and a nomination letter from a faculty member in the Department of Political Science and International Relations before the March deadline. The student’s letter should introduce you to the Awards and Honors Committee and tell them why you should be the recipient of this honor. In your letter, we ask you to summarize your academic credentials, share your career interests, and indicate how your major in political science or international relations has prepared you for the next phase of your life. Letters should not exceed 750 words (using Arial font, size 12 and single-spaced). Deadline: March 19, 2021 to AWARD-SUBMISSIONS@udel.edu Please list "Ulin Award" in the subject line.
Gladys and Harry David Zutz Award
Each year the Department of Political Science and International Relations presents a $1,000 cash award--the Gladys and Harry David Zutz Award--to each of two rising seniors (current juniors) who have demonstrated community engagement and/or interest in public service. Interested students apply by submitting a 750-word (single space) essay about their community engagement/service activity and interest and why they should receive this award. Students also submit a resume and a letter of recommendation (from a faculty member or a person in the community) attesting to their community and volunteer service and/or interest in public service. Deadline April 1, 2021. Submit to AWARD-SUBMISSIONS@udel.edu Please list "Zutz Award" in the subject line. **Please include your UD ID NUMBER on correspondence.
