Summer Grants

Summer Grants

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are these grants limited to sophomores?

The donors' intent is to provide students with formative summer travel experiences early in their undergraduate careers—not so early that their ideas might be amorphous, but early enough that that they would not be completely formed.

How should potential applicants interpret such broad terms?

Students are encouraged to design entrepreneurial or community service projects, or, conceivably, some combination of both. These categories may be broadly defined, but selection committees will expect to see clear evidence of creativity, initiative, and/or leadership, and they may show preference for projects that benefit others. One common denominator seems to be that the project will prove extremely beneficial in some way to the recipient.

What does a "summer" commitment entail?

The expectation is for a fairly full summer, at least two months in duration, during the summer following the sophomore year. Projects may be continued at Bowdoin in the academic year following the project.

Are summer study-abroad or language programs overseas eligible for support?

No. Although a project may arise from or inform some academic or intellectual pursuit, the program will not fund formal study of any kind, nor should academic credit be earned for the project.

Is there a preference for domestic vs. overseas experiences?

There is no stated preference, but students should be aware of the donors' desire to foster new cultural experiences in designing the sort of summer they might pursue. In other words, international experiences are encouraged.