Please note: The deadline for applications has been extended to Monday, March 9, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.

The Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize gives bright, ambitious students the opportunity to extend and reflect upon their undergraduate work at Berkeley by undertaking a special project after their graduation. Winning projects are creative in the broadest sense, explore themes of significant interest to holders of the Prize, and strive to further understanding of what constitutes humane and effective participation in our worldwide community.

The 2009 Stronach Prize is open to Berkeley graduates who are awarded an undergraduate degree in Fall 2008, Spring 2009, or Summer 2009 in any area of study within the College of Letters and Science. To apply, please submit to the address below a cover sheet, project proposal, budget, transcripts, and sample of your work by Monday, March 9, 2009. A complete application file must also contain two or more letters of recommendation, including a recommendation form signed by your mentor.

While crafting their proposals, all applicants are strongly encouraged to review the winning projects from 2006, 2007 and 2008 and to consult with the Stronach Prize advising staff. Learn more by attending an informational workshop in 344 Campbell Hall:

• Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, 11:10-12:00 p.m.
• Thursday, Jan. 22, 2009, 5:10-6:00 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 30, 2009, 11:00-12:00 p.m.

See the campus Undergraduate Research Calendar for additional dates.

Cover sheet

Please complete and print the Stronach application cover sheet.

Project proposal

In no more than five double-spaced pages (12-point font), please provide the following:

General description: a general description of your project that makes clear how it would heighten awareness of issues of social consciousness and the public good.

Description of activities and results: a brief step-by-step outline and timeline of your proposed activities followed by a specific description of the final outcome you hope to achieve. Please bear in mind that Prize winners will be expected to submit monthly reports on their projects as they carry them out.

Description of continuity and preparation: a description of the ways in which your project continues the coursework, research, extracurricular activities, or other work in which you have been engaged at Berkeley, and an explanation of the training and experience that have prepared you to undertake the project. All applicants are encouraged to pursue an issue of personal interest for which they feel passion and commitment.

For more information about how to write a proposal, visit two links to the Haas Scholars Program:

•    Help writing a research proposal
•    Research workshop schedule

Budget

Categorize and give dollar amounts for all expected spending: living expenses, health insurance, travel, equipment, supplies, professional services (such as developing film, making copies or posters), and other necessary expenses. Be reasonable but also realistic. Provide a timeline for the disbursements you would need.

For guidance in estimating personal expenses, review budgets provided by the Financial Aid Office (domestic) and the Education Abroad Program (international). For additional ideas, consult this explanation of the budget.

Health insurance is required. To research options, review the Student Health Insurance Plan (“Health Insurance after Graduation”) at the University Health Service.

Transcripts

Provide transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended since graduating from high school. Although applications will be accepted with unofficial transcripts, official transcripts may be requested before awards can be made.

Sample of work

You should submit a sample of your work that is relevant to the project you propose or to the preparation you need to carry it out. Please observe the following restrictions: in the medium of sound or visual performance, no longer than 15 minutes; in the medium of visual display, no more than 10 images; in the medium of narrative, creative or research writing, no more than 10 pages. Present visual and sound materials in digital format on a CD or DVD (clearly label the disc and the digital files). DVDs should be in universal format. Samples will not be returned.

Letters of recommendation

Letter from your mentor: You must identify someone who has agreed to be your mentor for your project. Although all Prize winners are expected to show independence in carrying out their projects, the mentor should be someone who can advise you as you work on your project. Your mentor may be a faculty member, but need not be a faculty member.

Please provide your mentor with a copy of your project proposal and budget along with this mentor recommendation form.

Additional letters: You must supply at least one additional letter of recommendation, and you may supply letters of support from people or organizations whose cooperation will contribute to your project’s success. If your mentor is not a faculty member, at least one of the additional letters of recommendation must be from someone who has taught you.

Please provide additional letter-writers with a copy of your project proposal and this letter of recommendation form.

Submitting the application

March 9, 2009 is the deadline for receipt of your application materials: cover sheet, proposal, budget, transcripts, sample of work, and letters of recommendation. All application materials should be delivered to:

Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize Committee
University of California
Office of Undergraduate Research
301 Campbell Hall #2922
Berkeley, California 94720-2922

All inquires about the Stronach Baccalaureate Prize should be directed to stronachprize@ls.berkeley.edu.