Call for Applications for the Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship

Call for Applications for the Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship – Due by March 9, 2018

Overview

The fellowship will help fund a proposal designed by the applicant to conduct brief work in a foreign country related to the mandate of UNESCO – using education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations.

The fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad.

The length of time for the travel is expected to be between 4 and 6 weeks and should include interaction with individuals from other nations. During his/her travel, the recipient should be willing to participate in public diplomacy events arranged with the pertinent U.S. State Department Consulate, Mission, and/or Embassy.

Following the travel, the recipient agrees to submit a report describing experiences and analyzing objectives achieved; share his/her experiences with others; and be available to make a presentation to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO.

Eligibility

In order to apply for the Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship, applicants:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen eligible for foreign travel
• Must be at least 18 years old and not older than 25 at the time of application
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. college or university in the United States

Selection

Only complete applications received by the application deadline will be considered. A subcommittee of the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO, which shall include a personal representative of Mrs. Laura W. Bush, will conduct an initial review of the applications, conduct phone interviews as needed, and provide recommendations to the entire Commission about which candidates are the most qualified to receive the Fellowship. The number of recipients and exact amount of money awarded will depend on the quality of applications and the funds available. The average fellowship award is $2,500.

Evaluation Criteria

• Originality and feasibility of proposal
• Quality of essay
• Apparent dedication to bridging nations, enlarging freedoms, and promoting democracy through one or more of UNESCO’s fields of competence
• Performance during interview, if applicable

The Application Package

The application cover sheet, as well as the By-laws for the Laura W. Bush Fellowship can be requested by email at DCUNESCO@state.gov.

All material must be submitted electronically as a single file (.doc or .pdf where the filename is the first and last name of the applicant) to the U.S. National Commission for UNESCO Executive Secretariat (DCUNESCO@state.gov) by 5:00 pm EST on the application deadline.

Applications are due March 9, 2018 for travel this summer.

The application packet should include:

1)     Completed application coversheet (form DS-7646)

2)     One page summary of project, including items that help provide a concise, clear understanding of the proposal, such as:

• Goals/objectives/outcomes
• Timeline
• Budget, funding, and plan for supplementary funding should it be needed to complete objectives (including letters of support or commitment, if relevant)
• Methodology for monitoring/evaluating success, potential impact and sustainability
• Action plan/ideas for follow-on activities
• Any relevant resources or photos

3)     Essay (up to 500 words, double spaced) explaining your interest in being considered for the award and how your proposed project reflects or is related to both UNESCO’s mandate and U.S. interests in promoting peace by sharing advances in education, science, culture, and communications.

4)     Current resume

5)     One letter of recommendation (from an academic source or another of the applicant’s choosing)

Questions regarding the application process or receipt of applications can be directed to DCUNESCO@state.gov.