Laidlaw Scholars Application Criteria

To apply for the program, students must complete an online application, which includes documents outlining their proposed project. We recommend you have all the information and materials ready before filling out the online form. Components of the application include:

​
Short Answer Question Form: Includes biographical, some research project details (summer 2021), Leadership in Action preference (summer 2022), and academic information.
Resume/CV
Transcript
Statement of Interest/Project Description: This includes a short description of the project, including the key research question that you are seeking to answer, any major events and activities related to conducting the research, the names and brief descriptions of any organizations or stakeholders with which you will work, and any potential impact of your findings. Please be as precise as possible. It is also helpful if the statement answers the following questions:

• What do you hope to learn through your project?
• Why do you believe you are qualified to see this project come to fruition?
• What do you hope to learn from this experience?

Faculty Mentor Statement of Support: Letter should include a clear explanation of the author’s relationship to the individual student or student group; the need being met by the proposed research project, and the author’s contact information
Leadership Statement: This should answer the following prompts:

• Part 1: Describe a time that you faced a difficult situation in a group setting and took steps to resolve the issue. Explain what action you took and why, and if you feel that your actions were effective. Finally, describe what you learned about yourself in the process. 750 words maximum.
• Part 2: Who is a leader (not related to you) with a trait you would wish to emulate? What is that trait and why do you believe it is important to use as a leader? 500 words maximum.

Applications will be assessed on:

• The viability of the proposed research project
• The student’s leadership potential
• The student’s academic record
• The letters of recommendation and faculty mentor’s supporting statements

Applications for the 2020 cycle are due on February 5, 2021 at 5 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact laidlaw.scholars@tufts.edu

Laidlaw Program 2021 Application Text

Applications for the 2021 cycle are due on February 5, 2021 at 5 p.m. All material must be submitted through this form. If you have any questions, please contact laidlaw.scholars@tufts.edu

First Name

Last Name

Student ID Number

Tufts Email (This email will be used for official communications.)

Alternative Email address (if different from Tufts email)

I am applying:

• With an individual research project.
• With a faculty proposed research project.
• As part of a research team of other Laidlaw Scholar applicants. If so, name of team members

Faculty Mentor (First Name, Last Name)

Faculty Mentor Department

Faculty Mentor School

Faculty Mentor Email

Project Title

Are you applying for one of the 2021 Cohort Laidlaw Central Projects? Please see the list for details.

• Biteback Research projects - Virtual projects Jamie Oliver’s UK non-profit solving nutrition issues
• Change the Code - Starting a local program focused on closing the STEM gender gap
• Durham University - Chris Brown MAT education research projects
• Other pre-approved program
• Not applicable

Are you applying for a project with a faculty mentor at another Laidlaw institution? If so, which one?

Choose at least two of the Leadership in Action components during the second summer you wish to undertake? You will be expected to undertake only one but we ask that you have at least one backup option. Please make sure one of your choices is not limited by the number of spots.

• Participate in a leadership intensive program e.g. a leadership expedition chosen by the Laidlaw Foundation
• Leadership placement in an organization where you can build on your research project and lead others while you create, plan and implement a strategy.
• Research – Infield application of the scholar’s research project putting the findings of the first year’s project into action with the aim of creating positive change in society.
• Continuation of the Research Project of the first year but within a different country/culture and environment and with specified leadership skills that will be developed and applied. For example via our partnership with St. Andrews Laidlaw Program. (Limited number of spots)
• Continuation of the Research Project in home university with new skills specified and developed and including a supervisory role for at least part of this period. (Limited number of spots)
• Continuation of a two year project through the Laidlaw Central Projects.

Please explain why these Leadership in Action components interests you and how you would ensure a strong leadership experience during your second summer.

Major or Intended Major

Year of Graduation

GPA

Do you plan to enroll in courses during the 2020 summer session?

Yes

No

Does your research involve human subjects?

Yes

No

Does your research require travel outside of the United States?

No

Yes (if so, please list possible travel locations)

Resume/CV: Please attach a 1-2 page resume or curriculum vitae. (Word or PDF files only)

Transcript: Please attach a copy of your most recent transcript (unofficial transcripts permitted). (Word or PDF files only)

Statement of Interest/Project Description: Please attach a short description of your project, including the key research question that you are seeking to answer, any major events and activities related to conducting the research, the names and brief descriptions of any organization or stakeholders with which you will work, and any potential impact of your findings.

Please be as precise as possible. Avoid jargon or unidentified acronyms. (Word or PDF files only)

Project Budget: Please attach a document that describes the total cost of the project and identifies priority items that will be covered by the Laidlaw Scholarship funding. Please include all other funding sources or in-kind donations that you have received or plan to seek. (Word, Excel, or PDF files only)

Faculty Mentor Statement of Support: Please attach a letter from your faculty mentor that includes a clear explanation of their relationship to you and expresses their commitment to working with you on the proposed project. The letter should include the author's contact information.

Leadership Statement Part 1 - Please answer the following prompt (750 words): Describe a time that you faced a difficult situation in a group setting and took steps to resolve the issue. Explain what action you took and why, and if you feel that your actions were effective. Finally, describe what you learned about yourself in the process.

Leadership Statement Part 2 - Please answer the following prompt (500 words maximum): Who is a leader (not related to you) with a trait you would wish to emulate? What is that trait and why do you believe it is important to use as a leader?

Letters of Recommendation: Please have two letters of recommendation submitted by the recommender here. These letters should come from someone familiar with your academic and research skills, and should address your capacity to grow as a leader.

Please list the names and email addresses of both of your recommenders.

First Recommender

Second Recommender

Program Commitment Letter: Please sign the Laidlaw Scholars Commitment Letter and attach a PDF of the signed copy below. If you are selected as a Laidlaw Scholar, this letter will serve as a contract.

By applying to be a Laidlaw Scholar, I understand that should I be accepted, I will be expected to:

Spend one summer working on a paid 6 week research project.

Spend one summer working on a paid 6 week Leadership in Action project.

Attend 72 hours of leadership workshops over the 18 months of the program.

3 two-day retreats

12 two-hour sessions

Following the first summer, produce and present a poster at Research Day.

Following the second summer:

Submit a 10 page research paper on your project

Present a 10 minute talk for Research Day. (This will be recorded and publicly posted.)

Submit a 3 minute video talking about your experience as a Laidlaw Scholar

Submit a video to the My Tufts Story Video Contest run by the Provost Office.

Please show your consent by checking the "I agree." checkbox.

How did you hear about the Tufts-Laidlaw Program?