Students can 'Dream Big,' get help on fellowship applications

The Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships at Grand Valley State University is encouraging students to “Dream Big” and offering students workshops to help in the application process for competitive fellowship and scholarship opportunities.

“We invite students to connect their biggest dreams with nationally competitive award opportunities,” said Amanda Cuevas, director of the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships. “These workshops are designed to introduce students to prestigious funding opportunities and how to align their strengths and interests to make an impact on their world. GVSU students named national award recipients have received funding to help pay for undergraduate and graduate education, study abroad, and a year of service-learning and teaching English in countries around the world. The common denominator among award recipients is they all have big dreams to make a difference.”

The 2012 “Dream Big” workshop series kicks off on March 14 and continues through April on the Allendale Campus. The series will help students with the process from the very start, including an introduction workshop called ‘Discover the Right Fit: Fellowships and Your Future’ that will be held on March 14 and 21.

Students who are interested in study or service abroad after graduation can learn about Rotary Ambassadorial and Fulbright Scholarship programs that help fund those opportunities at a workshop on March 28.

The Fellowships Office is also providing students with a workshop where they can learn how to make a good impression during the application process, as well as some ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’ that will help them achieve their goals, along with a writing workshop for students crafting compelling personal statement for their award applications.

Workshop Schedule:

Discover the Right Fit: Fellowships and Your Future

Wednesday, March 14

1-2 p.m. in Honors 114, intended for First Year/Sophomores

5-6 p.m. in Honors 114, intended for Juniors/Seniors

Wednesday, March 21

1-2 p.m. in Honors 114, intended for Juniors/Seniors

5-6 p.m. in Honors 114, intended for First Year/Sophomores

Fulbright/Rotary Scholar Information Session

Wednesday, March 28

6-8 p.m. in Honors 220

Professionalism Workshop

Wednesday, April 4

1-2 p.m. in Connection Room 214 or 5-6 p.m. in KC 2270

Writing Compelling Personal Statements for Nationally Competitive Awards: Writing Workshop

Friday, March 30

3-5 p.m. in Honors 114

Students who are interested in learning more about the workshop series or the fellowship program in general are encouraged to attend walk-in fellowship advising hours, held in Niemeyer Hall room 120 from 1-4 p.m. on Thursdays from March 15 through April 19.

For more information, contact Amanda Cuevas at [email protected] or visit www.gvsu.edu/fellowships