World Deaf Leadership * Scholarship Program - Gallaudet University

WDL Application Page 1

Dear World Deaf Leadership Scholarship applicant,Are you interested in graduating from Gallaudet University and making a “world of adifference” in your country? As a World Deaf Leadership Scholar, you will develop the academicabilities and leadership skills needed to improve the quality of life of individuals andcommunities anywhere in the world.The World Deaf Leadership (WDL) Scholarship is an endowed scholarship funded by the NipponFoundation in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the WDL Scholarship Fund is to providescholarships to Gallaudet students from different developing nations all around the world.Gallaudet will select WDL Scholars who demonstrate the ability to become international leadersand make significant contributions to their nation and possibly the world. The scholarship willcover tuition, room, board, and up to two internships in your country.Recipients of this scholarship must be from developing nations and have a strong desire toreturn home and become leaders. Those selected to participate in the program must also havein mind a project to develop while they are students at Gallaudet and to implement in theirhome country after graduation. The goal of each project should be to improve the quality of lifeof deaf and hard of hearing citizens and communities in the home country. Candidates mustsubmit one or more specific ideas for review and evaluation by the selection committee.To support students throughout their studies, WDL scholars will select a mentor of their choice.The role of the Gallaudet mentor is important. The mentor should be knowledgeable about thestudent’s country and share an interest in the student’s project. If necessary, the mentor can beinvolved with one or two internships in the student’s home country. The WDL Scholarship Fundwill cover specific and approved transportation and living expenses for these internship trips forboth the WDL Scholar and his or her mentor.Gallaudet University and the Nippon Foundation are committed to preparing deaf individualsfrom developing nations to serve as leaders within their own countries and around the world.Your work as a World Deaf Leadership Scholar will have an impact on Gallaudet and on yourcountry and will serve as an excellent example for other potential leaders around the world.The application for the WDL Scholarship is enclosed. The deadline for submitting a completeapplication is February 1.We wish you well in your studies and in attaining your personal and professional goals.Sincerely,Asiah Mason, Ph.D.Program AdministratorWDL Application Page 2

WORLD DEAF LEADERSHIP (WDL) SCHOLARSHIP FUNDAPPLICATION GUIDELINESPURPOSE OF SCHOLARSHIPThe primary purpose of the World Deaf Leadership (WDL) Scholarship Fund is to developdeaf leaders in developing nations by providing students with financial assistance for fulltuition, room, and board. If applicable, the cost of participating in up to two internshipsduring their studies at Gallaudet University will be covered. Students supported by theWDL Scholarship Fund will use this educational experience to develop a project aimed atimproving the lives of deaf people at home and possibly around the world. Recipients ofthis scholarship must be from developing nations and have a demonstratedcommitment towards returning home upon graduation.MENTORTo support scholars in adjusting to American culture and in designing their project, theWDL Scholar will be connected to a mentor. The mentor has two primary roles. First, thementor supports the WDL Scholar in his transition to a new living and learning culture inAmerica. Second, the mentor provides guidance for the student in the development ofhis/her project. This will involve the mentor volunteering to spend time with the Scholarand also being knowledgeable about the Scholar’s project and home country. Thementor does not receive supplemental pay for participation in the program. Mentorscollaborate with the program administrator and must adhere to WDL Scholarshipmentoring guidelines.IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTUpon completion of the scholar’s studies and design of the project, the WDL Scholar isexpected to return home and attempt to implement the project. The project designshould identify human and fiscal resources necessary to implement the project. It isadvisable that grant writing and requests for government support be a part of thedesign phase; however, the scholar may include seeking financial support as a part ofthe implementation phase that occurs after graduation. Gal laudet University will notprovide funding for the implementation phase of the project. Support forimplementation of the project may be requested from the Nippon Foundation butresources to implement the project are not guaranteed. The decision rests solely withthe Nippon Foundation.WDL Application Page 3

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:All applicants must:• Be Deaf or Hard‐of‐Hearing.• Be from a developing country.• Demonstrate financial need.• Be a current Gallaudet student or be admitted to Gallaudet by May 1. (Students mayalso be admitted to the English Language Institute)• Demonstrate high academic achievement.• Demonstrate active involvement in the deaf community at home.• Submit three letters of recommendation that follow these guidelines:1. Two letters of recommendation from people in the home country whom are familiarwith the applicant’s work in the deaf community; and2. One recommendation letter from a person at home or at Gallaudet whom is familiarwith the academic ability of the applicant.ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNT• Full tuition, room, and board.• $5,000 living expenses.• Cost related to two 8‐week internships.• Renewable up to 5 years.• Cost of Gallaudet health insurance.CONDITION FOR SCHOLARSHIP AWARD AND RENEWAL• Maintain a 2.8 GPA during the first year, 3.0 thereafter. Maintain legal status for studying in the USA and intent to return home uponcompletion of studies.• Remain in good disciplinary standing at the University.• Participate in at least one (1) internship funded by the WDL Scholars Fund. Submit project progress reports each semester to the WDL Scholarship Fund ProgramAdministrator.• Submit internship report/summary and internship evaluation.WDL Application Page 4

WDL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONAll materials must be submitted as a complete package no later than February 1, and must bein English.Please submit the following.1. Application.2. Three letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation is to be from a schoolofficial from their home or Gallaudet. This letter should address the applicant’sacademic ability and potential for success earning a college degree. Two other lettersmust be from two different people in the applicant’s home country. These letters shouldaddress the applicant’s service, advocacy, and involvement in the deaf and hard ofhearing community. Letters must be submitted in sealed envelopes with the signatureof the person writing the letter written across the flap. (E‐mailed recommendations arenot acceptable.)3. Description of the project that you will develop. Use the outline on page 12.4. Transcripts from high school, college, and other academic programs.5. Photocopy of your national passport (page showing passport number, name, nationality, date ofbirth, place of birth, passport issuing and expiration date).6. Signed Letter of Intent (Page 13).7. Send complete application package to:8. Completed checklist on page 12.Dr. Asiah MasonGallaudet UniversityOffice of International RelationsCollege Hall 204800 Florida Avenue, NEWashington, DC 20002‐3695, USADeadline for receipt of all materials is February 1.World Deaf Leadership Scholar will be announced no later than April 1.WDL Application Page 5

PART A: PERSONAL DATAChoose one:Mr Ms Miss MrsWDL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONChoose one:DeafHard of HearingFull Legal Name: __________________________________________________________________________(Please indicate as printed Last Name (Family name/Surname) First Name (Given Name) Middle Nameon your birth certificate/passport)Date of Birth: ______/______/_______ Gallaudet ID Number: ____________________________________Month/Day/YearCountry of Birth: __________________________________________________________________________Country of Citizenship ______________________________________________________________________Current Address (Mailing Address)________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 1________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 2________________________________________________________________________________________City State/Province/Division Zip/Post CodeCountry: _________________________________________________________________________________Telephone Number: _______________________________________________________________________Facsimile Number: ________________________________________________________________________Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________Current Address is good until: Date: __________________________________________________________Month/Day/YearPermanent Address in Home Country (if different from above)________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 1________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 2________________________________________________________________________________________City State/Province/Division Zip/Post CodeCountry: _________________________________________________________________________________Telephone Number: _______________________________________________________________________Facsimile Number: ________________________________________________________________________Email Address: ____________________________________________________________________________Current Address is good until: Date: __________________________________________________________Month/Day/YearWDL Application Page 6

PART B: ACADEMIC INFORMATIONList all schools attended from high school (secondary school) to college (university).1. School Name:________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 1________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 2________________________________________________________________________________________City State/Province/Division Zip/Post CodeCountry: _________________________________________________________________________________School Telephone Number: _________________________________________________________________School Facsimile Number: ___________________________________________________________________School Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________Area of Study: ______________________________________________ Degree Earned: ________________Date of Graduation: _______________________________ Grade Point Average (GPA): _________________Month/Day/Year2. School Name:________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 1________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 2________________________________________________________________________________________City State/Province/Division Zip/Post CodeCountry: _________________________________________________________________________________School Telephone Number: _________________________________________________________________School Facsimile Number: ___________________________________________________________________School Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________Area of Study: ______________________________________________ Degree Earned: ________________Date of Graduation: _______________________________ Grade Point Average (GPA): _________________Month/Day/Year3. School Name:________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 1________________________________________________________________________________________Address line 2________________________________________________________________________________________City State/Province/Division Zip/Post CodeCountry: _______________________________________ School Telephone Number: __________________School Facsimile Number: _________________________ School Email Address: _______________________Area of Study: ______________________________________________ Degree Earned: ________________Date of Graduation: _______________________________ Grade Point Average (GPA): _________________Month/Day/YearWDL Application Page 8

Current Educational Program:Certificate Program: Yes No Name of Institution __________________________________________Undergraduate Degree Program: Yes No Name of Institution ________________________________Graduate Degree Program: Yes No Name of Institution _____________________________________List your current fields of study or intended major and minor fields of study:Major: _________________________________________ Minor: ____________________________________Your Academic Goals:Your Career Goals:List any Academic Honors, Scholarships, Special Awards or Certificate(s):WDL Application Page 9

PART C: COMMUNITY SERVICE in DEAF COMMUNITYName of Organization Describe Services DatesPART D: LEADERSHIP AND ADVOCACY ROLESName of Organization Leadership Role/Office Held DatesUse additional paper if necessary.WDL Application Page 10

PART E: EMPLOYMENT HISTORYList your last three places employment:Name of Employer: ________________________________________________________________________Job Title: _________________________________________________________________________________Dates: ___________________________________________________________________________________Description of Duties:Name of Employer: ________________________________________________________________________Job Title: _________________________________________________________________________________Dates: ___________________________________________________________________________________Description of Duties:Name of Employer: ________________________________________________________________________Job Title: _________________________________________________________________________________Dates: ___________________________________________________________________________________Description of Duties:WDL Application Page 11

PART F: PROJECTDirections: Using the headings below, describe the project that you will develop. The goal of this project is toimprove the lives of members of the deaf and hard of hearing community in your home country. Submit thisinformation on a separate sheet of paper. Limit your description to no more than three, double‐spacedpages. Your response will weigh heavily in determining whether or not you receive this scholarship._________________________________Title of Project1) Project Purpose2) Description of Project3) Benefit to Deaf and Hard of Hearing People4) Identify Potential Obstacles for Implementing this Project5) Strategies for Overcoming these Obstacles6) Academic Preparation (Knowledge, Skills, and Courses) needed by YOU to develop and implementthis projectWDL Application Page 12

LETTER OF INTENTTHE WORLD DEAF LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP FUNDGallaudet UniversityWashington, DCUSAPurposeThe Nippon Foundation of Japan established the World Deaf Leadership Scholarship Fund atGallaudet University to provide students from developing countries full financial assistance fortuition, room, board, and internship support during their quest towards achieving a Universitydegree or in limited instances a certificate. These scholarships are awarded to individuals who willstudy in disciplines offered at Gallaudet University and subsequently use the knowledge and skillsthey develop at the University to contribute to the betterment of people who are deaf and hard‐ofhearingin their home countries. The award given to the WDL Scholar carries with it the expectationthat the recipient will return to his or her home country upon graduation.The successful candidate for the WDL Scholarship Fund must:• Meet all the requirements for admission as a deaf or hard of hearing international studentat Gallaudet University.• Meet all the specialized requirements for admission as a WDL Scholar that includes a WDLScholarship application, along with a maximum of two letters of support from members ofthe deaf and hard of hearing communities and a letter describing your academic abilities.• Participate in a maximum of two internships in his/her home countries during theircoursework at Gallaudet.• Participate in designated leadership development programs and activities at GallaudetUniversity.• Represent the WDL Scholarship Program when necessary.• Upon graduation, allow Gallaudet to share any university‐obtained contact informationafter graduation with the Nippon Foundation.• Sign the following statement of intentI certify that I have read and fully understand the expectations and requirements for the WDLScholarship Fund. If selected, I agree to adhere to those expectations and requirements to the verybest of my ability.Name: _____________________________________________ Signature: ____________________Date: ______________________________________WDL Application Page 13

WORLD DEAF LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMAPPLICATION CHECKLIST/COVERFull Legal Name: __________________________________________________________________________(Please indicate as printed Last Name (Family name/Surname) First Name (Given Name) Middle Nameon your birth certificate/passport)Date of Birth: ______/______/_______ Gallaudet ID Number: ____________________________________Month/Day/YearCountry of Birth: __________________________________________________________________________Country of Citizenship ______________________________________________________________________DIRECTIONS: All materials for the WDL application must be submitted at the same time no later thanFebruary 1, and must be in English. Request letters of recommendation and official school documents assoon as possible. Check everything below that is included in this WDL Application Package and remember, DONOT send an incomplete package of materials. Include this completed checklist as the cover for theapplication package. 1. WDL Application. 2. Three letters of recommendation.a. One letter of recommendation from a school official at home or at Gallaudet. This lettershould address the applicant’s academic ability and potential for success earning a collegedegree.b. Two additional letters of recommendation from two different individuals who will addressthe applicant’s service, advocacy, and involvement in the deaf and hard‐of‐hearingcommunities. 3. Description of the project that you will develop (Page 10 of the Application). 4. Transcripts from high school, college, and other academic programs. 5. Signed “Letter of Intent.” 6. Completed Checklist. 7. How did you learn about the WDL scholarship? 8. Photocopy of your national passport (page showing passport number, name, nationality, date ofbirth, place of birth, passport issuing and expiration date).______________________________________________________ 9. Have you applied for admission to Gallaudet University? Yes NoIf your answer is “no,” why not? __________________________________________________WDL Application Page 14