• Funding is available to individual students who are Mount Holyoke College students.
• Funding is available throughout the academic or calendar year.

• Students may receive support for a broad-range of activities, including research, independent study, special projects, and attending conferences. Specific funds may go towards a range of items, such as travel-related expenses and conference fees.

Guidelines

• Successful applications will clearly demonstrate opportunities for the student to support and strengthen her role as an effective leader.
• Support for leadership development may relate to a student's intellectual pursuits, advocacy interests, or professional career goals. The Center will also consider proposals that relate to its public program themes for the academic year.
• Projects should include a public forum held on campus within one year of receiving funding.
• Projects will be selected based on feasibility, compatibility with existing resources, and the relevance to the leadership mission of the College and the Weissman Center.

Application Materials

The following materials are required to be submitted as part of the on-line application process.

Proposal

Proposals should include the following information:

• A detailed description of the activity/event/project/conference for which support is requested.
• A reflection on what motivated you to pursue this leadership experience, and what hopes you have for advancing your own leadership knowledge or skills.
• A discussion of the ways in which your project relates to your academic, advocacy, or professional interests. If the project relates to a Weissman Center public program theme, please describe the intersections and connections.
• Note the ways in which the project may benefit the Mount Holyoke College community. Please describe in detail your plans for a public forum that can be held on campus including projected dates(s), sponsoring and co-sponsoring organizations, faculty mentor, venue, targeted audience, and anticipated expenses for publicity.
• Discuss your conceptions of leadership, and at least one situation in which you viewed yourself as a leader. What did you learn from the experience? What was the most rewarding aspect of this role? What did you find most challenging and how did you address this?

Budget and Financial Request

• Students should submit an itemized budget detailing projected expenses for the complete project. Budget line items could include travel-related expenses including transportation, meals and lodging, and conference fees.
• Students should pursue additional sources of support. Please note in your budget request any additional support you have sought and/or received.

• Two letters of recommendation are required from individuals who can discuss the student's academic goals and leadership qualities, and/or who are familiar with the project for which funds are requested. At least one letter of reference should be from a professor.
• Those submitting references can access an online reference form that includes information for uploading a reference letter.

• Students should submit a resume where indicated in the on-line application that includes major/minor course of study, GPA, volunteer positions, and work experience.
• A transcript is also required as part of the on-line application.

Interview

• An interview will be held after the application and all requested materials are submitted.

Reporting Requirements and Public Forum

• Students who are awarded funding will consider the impact of the project and the ways in which the grant has supported their own leadership development. An essay on leadership is due within one month after the conclusion of the event or project, along with a detailed listing of expenses.
• Students will present their experiences and insights at a public forum within one year from the conclusion of the project or event for which they received support.