Preparing your project
Students who do best in this process are past the idea stage and have started planning or putting their leadership project ideas into motion.
The scholarship groundwork might include reaching out to collaborators, scheduling meetings, recruiting volunteers or participants, drafting a mission statement, or being elected to a role. The selection committee should be able to picture you in action. If you are unsure whether your project is far enough along, you are welcome to attend an information session, email mgates@uw.edu, or come to advising drop-in hours to talk it through.
Working with a mentor
One mentor letter is required; choose someone with the time to genuinely support your leadership growth through the project.
The Leadership Scholarship asks for a single mentor letter of support. You may well have more than one mentor, and you are welcome to discuss a second one in your essay, but only one letter is needed. Choose a mentor who has the time and willingness to support your leadership development through the project — the amount of support scholars need varies, but a mentor needs to be genuinely available to you. The letter is a crucial part of the application, so give your mentor enough lead time to write one that speaks to how they will work with you. If you receive an award and your mentor changes during the award period, let the Endowment know immediately.