With the generous support of donors, Whittier College has established the Alianza de los Amigos Martin Ortiz Fellowship which provides an opportunity for one first-year, sophomore, or junior to complete an internship or research project related to economic development and the general improvement of the human condition.
The fellowship is particularly directed at students of Hispanic heritage from any major who have a firm career interest in public service and who will do an internship or field research project in the US or abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
- First-years, sophomores, or juniors in good academic standing
- Open to students of any major or academic program
Selection Criteria
- Demonstrate academic ability.
- The ability to conduct and complete the proposed research project, internship, or experience.
- The fit between the project and the student’s academic and/or professional goals.
- If traveling abroad is part of the proposal, the ability to engage in study abroad.
- Semi-finalists may be interviewed.
Program Benefits
- A stipend of $4,000 (to be used for research activities, travel, or an internship).
- A scholarship of $500 will be applied towards tuition upon completion of the project.
- The faculty mentor will also receive a $500 stipend upon completion of the project.
Applying to the Program
The application is due on March 4, 2024. Use this guide to gather your application documents. Request these items two weeks prior to the deadline.
A complete application consists of:
- Unofficial academic transcripts.
- Current semester Course Progress Report for each 3-4 credit course you are enrolled in.
- Signed sample Student Contract.
- Signed Mentor Agreement.
- A written recommendation letter from the faculty mentor for the project.
- A reference contact from someone outside your major and the project’s focus. This can be a faculty member or, when applicable to the project, a personal reference (e.g., employer, internship supervisor, volunteer coordinator).
- A 500-word essay explaining why you want this fellowship opportunity, how you will benefit from the fellowship both personally and professionally, and what personal qualities (skills, attributes, and/or abilities) you possess that will ensure a successful fellowship experience.
- A 1000-word essay indicating the primary objective of your project, discuss why is it important, explain the methodology(ies)/ approach(es) that will be used to accomplish your objective, present a timeline for the project during the fellowship period, and identify the end result(s) of your project (e.g., a public presentation at URSCA or other conferences, a paper, artwork, play, etc.).
- Selected semi-finalists may be interviewed.
Fellowship Advisor
Professor Kay Sanders
ksanders@whittier.edu
Past Fellows
Alexandria Amaya (2023)
Jessica Rosales-Estrada (2022)
Norma de la Rosa (2021)
Marianella Perez (2019)
Ivelis Colon (2018)
Fabiola Flores (2017)
