Applications

Applicants are expected to develop proposals in consultation with a faculty mentor who agrees to supervise the project. All students are welcome to apply. If we have to choose between competing good proposals, preference will be given to LACLaS majors and minors, and/or students working with faculty affiliated to LACLaS.

The 2024 deadline for the LACLaS research grants applications is March 8. 

Please discuss such options with your faculty advisor in advance of your submission.

Download the application.

An application must include a cover page and the following to be considered for funding:

Part A: Program Proposal

• A narrative proposal, no more than 1,000 words (approximately 4 double-spaced word processed pages) in length. The narrative should include:
  • an explanation of the proposed research topic or issue and the specific research goals (for the period of the award)
  • a description of the methods that will be used or the sources of information that will be analyzed
  • an explanation of the applicant’s preparation to conduct the research (coursework, language skills, etc.)
  • a description of any other contacts or resources (such as foreign faculty, institutions of higher learning, government or non-governmental organizations) that will be consulted in support of the project and will enhance the feasibility of the project
  • a projected timeline for the research
  • a discussion of the significance of the endeavor to the student’s academic program.

Part B: Budget and Justification

• If requesting Travel and Research funds, a detailed budget and budget justification that clearly outlines the anticipated costs of traveling, room and board, and research expenses.

Part C: Bibliography

• A preliminary bibliography

Part D: Transcript

• A current Bowdoin transcript (print-out from Polaris is acceptable) and your current Student Bio form.

Part E: Letter of Recommendation

• A letter of recommendation from the faculty member who has agreed to supervise or sponsor the project. The recommendation should address the feasibility of the project, the applicant’s preparation, and the importance of the project to the student’s academic career. Faculty should email their letter directly to the LACLaS Program Coordinator.

Part F (Optional): Other Funding

• If the student has applied to other funding sources, or has already received an award, other funding, a statement identifying these sources.

Criteria

Awards are made on the basis of the quality and feasibility of the project described in the narrative proposal, the project's relevance to the student's educational program, the applicant’s preparation to carry out the project (including competence in the language spoken in the target country), the applicant’s academic record, and the faculty mentor’s recommendation. A subcommittee from the Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies Program reviews applications every spring.

Submit all materials to Elizabeth H. Palmer via email epalmer@bowdoin.edu.