Guidelines and Submission

The Parish Fellowship is NOT intended to support a study abroad program and funds cannot be used to do so. This is an opportunity to enhance the undergraduate education through experiential learning and grow in a self-guided setting, not readily available in the classroom.

The application for the Fellowship should be a proposal outlining the travel plans, describing the goals of the travel experience in relation to the student’s education, and, where relevant, describing the relationship of these goals to the student’s academic interests, extracurricular activities, and career plans. The proposal should be no more than 5 typed pages, and should include, to the extent possible:

  • a proposed itinerary (exact dates and times are not required)
  • a general budget
  • a request for a specific grant amount must be stated
  • plans to deal with difficulties in communication if English is not the primary language in the traveled area
  • other sources of funds available or requested (i.e. application or receipt of another grant. Additionally, if your travel costs exceed the $5,000 allotment, where will your additional funding come from?)
  • contact information for two faculty members or other individuals with whom the Selection Committee may consult if they have questions about your plans
  • a current transcript with the proposal (an Esther copy is acceptable)
  • a listing of any and all travel companions

The submission deadline is Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. All submissions should be sent to wiess@rice.edu.

NOTE: If chosen as a finalist, applications may be supplemented by other materials (portfolio, essay, or other personal project) relevant to the goals of the fellowship and helpful to the selection committee. The Parish Fellowship may not be used for study abroad or continuing education programs. Funds will be distributed in May 2025.

Winners of the fellowship will be required to present all receipts for expenses using fellowship monies AND present on their experiences at a reception in the fall semester of 2025.