Watson Fellowship
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Purpose: The Watson Fellowship Program seeks to give exceptional college graduates the freedom to engage in a year of independent study and travel abroad in order to thoroughly explore a particular interest, test aspirations and abilities, view their lives and American society in greater perspective, and develop a more informed sense of international concern.
Funding: The Fellowship provides $22,000 to each recipient ($31,000 if traveling with spouse or dependents), plus twelve months’ payment for outstanding federally guaranteed student loans. Proposed projects should reflect a genuine interest in, and long-standing commitment to, a specific concern. The project need not be related to academic experience or plans. Formal study at a foreign institution is not permitted.
Eligibility: All graduating seniors at 50 participating institutions, which includes Carleton College, are eligible for nomination by their institutions.
Selection Criteria: The Foundation seeks to identify individuals who demonstrate integrity, strong ethical character, intelligence, the capacity for vision and leadership, and potential for humane and effective participation in the world community. Feasibility of the project and language ability are also taken into account.
Application Process: Interested seniors submit:
- project proposals in early fall. In early November, the selection committee recommends a small number of nominees to the Foundation. A representative of the Foundation visits each campus to interview nominees in the fall and winter months. Awards are announced in mid-March.
- an official transcript to be sent to Professor Roy Grow.
Faculty Adviser: Roy Grow, 507/222-4086, Willis Hall 406
