Fellows

2017 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRANSATLANTIC FELLOWS (BFTF) SUMMER INSTITUTE
June 24-July 22, 2017 – Ages 16-18
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC

 

Are you interested in meeting young people from Europe, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia? Do you have an interest in learning more about transatlantic relationships, democracy and civic engagement?

The Department of Communication at Wake Forest University is offering 10 Scholarships for American students to attend the 2017 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows (BFTF) Summer Institute. These Scholarships include the following:

• $3,500 scholarship; Designation as Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow (covers tuition, activities, meals and lodging in WFU dorm, and partial travel funds to and from WFU)
• Participation in all Institute events, including classes on: Citizenship, Comparative Constitutionalism, Documentary Production and Theory, New Media, Public Advocacy, taught by Wake Forest and visiting faculty.
• Six day educational trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA, including a visit to the State Department, The Washington Center and several sites including the Newseum in DC; Constitution Center in Philadelphia, etc.
• Civic engagement activities, local community service projects and workshops on public advocacy.
• Cultural activities including an International Dinner, visits to places of worship and other local sites.

The U.S. Fellows would join about 50 Fellows on the Wake Forest campus for a month-long Institute. The international Fellows are from over 30 countries ranging from Armenia to Iceland, Denmark to Kosovo, Malta to Lithuania. Participants will arrive at WFU on June 24 and depart on July 22, 2017.

Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and 16-18 years old.

A complete application includes the following:

  • Official application form, fully completed
  • Section B: GPA and listing of your High School/College activities
  • Section C: One-page maximum typed essay describing one community activity that you have been involved in, including an account of your personal contribution to the activity (can be pasted directly into the application form)
  • Section D: One-page maximum typed essay stating your interest in transatlantic issues and the Ben Franklin program. (can be pasted directly into application form)
  • A letter of recommendation from one individual, and contact information for two others who could be contacted. Your recommender may not be a member of your immediate family.

Applications are due by April 15, 2017.

Phone interviews of Semi-finalists – April 25-30

Announcement of 2017 Fellows – May 1

 

Please return completed forms to Ron Von Burg

Mail: BFTF, Wake Forest University

Box 7347, Reynolda Station

Winston-Salem, NC  27109

Fax:  (336) 758-6239

 

Selection Criteria

(1) Strong academic achievement. Those in the upper quarter of their class will be favored.

(2) Record of participating in high school or college activities with an emphasis on community civic activities.

(3) Essay quality. Statement of candidate’s interest in transatlantic relations and appreciation of the Ben Franklin program

(4) Strong letter of recommendation.

(5) Interview with Semi-Finalists. Selection panel members will have a 10-15 minute conversation further exploring the candidate’s reasons for joining the program.

(6) Committee will look for a balance including geographical, ethnic, and socio-economic representation.