Frederick Douglass Scholarship for American Students at Washington College
Frederick Douglass Fellowships
The Frederick Douglass Fellowships support independent work in African-American studies and related areas. The author, activist, and diplomat Frederick Douglass (1818-1895), for whom the fellowships were named, was born in Talbot County, Md., about 30 miles south of Chestertown, and retained a deep attachment to the Eastern Shore until the end of his life.
The Douglass Fellowships were established through a generous gift from Maurice Meslans and Margaret Holyfield of St. Louis. They fund an annual spring semester grant of up to $1500 to a sophomore or junior to work on a research project related to African-American studies. Topics pertaining to—in the words of the donors—other “minority American” fields (Asian-American studies, gay and lesbian studies, Latino studies, et al.) will also be considered. In addition to funding student projects, each year, during the spring semester, the Douglass Fellowships also bring to campus a visiting scholar, writer, musician, etc. engaged in the study or interpretation of African-American history and related fields.
The grant covers research trips and book purchases, and helps support recipients while they work on their projects. Each Frederick Douglass Fellow selects a faculty member to guide the project; the mentor receives a $500 honorarium for his or her participation. Working side by side with their chosen mentor, Douglass Fellows are able to take their academic work to a new level, pursuing independent research beyond the classroom.
Frederick Douglass Fellows are required to present their work in written form by
the end of the semester, submit it for publication in a journal or magazine (either printed or online, and either on- or off-campus), and give an oral presentation on their findings.
Frederick Douglass Fellowships
Application Instructions
Applicants must be in their sophomore or junior year at Washington College.
This is a spring semester grant; the fellowship term will run from January through May.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the Starr Center’s Jill Ogline Titus to discuss their draft proposals.
Your application should include:
The Application Form: A brief proposal (1-2 pages) describing a research project you would like to pursue in African-American studies (subjects may range from history, politics, and sociology to art, literature, and music, and beyond). Topics pertaining to—in the words of the donors—other “minority American” fields (Asian-American studies, gay and lesbian studies, Latino studies) will also be considered. Examples of fundable topics: “Free Black Communities in 19th-Century Kent County,” “African-American Voting Patterns in the 2004 Election,” “Jazz and the Art of Romare Bearden.”
You should briefly describe:
Why you are interested in your chosen topic
A few questions you hope to answer
How you plan to go about your research
The Budget Form: You may use the fellowship money to replace income you would otherwise earn from a part-time job during the semester, to purchase books, fund research trips, etc.
A copy of your Washington College transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable; you may print one through Web Advisor)
The name of a faculty member who would help to guide your project. You should plan to meet with your mentor once every week or two. Your application must be signed by the proposed faculty mentor.
Briefly list up to five of your most meaningful academic or extracurricular activities.
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