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-year, Sophomore or Junior 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 will be interviewed.

Program Benefits

• A stipend of $4,000.00 (to be used for research activities & travel or an internship)
• Upon completion of the project, a scholarship $500.00 will be applied towards tuition.
• The faculty mentor will also receive a $500.00 stipend upon completion of the project. 

Applying to the Program

• The application will be due the second Friday in March. A complete application consists of:
• Unofficial academic transcripts
• Current semester Academic Progress Report.
• Student Contract with project mentor sign-off.
• Signed Mentor Agreement 
• A written recommendation letter from the faculty mentor for the project.
• A reference contact from someone outside of the applicants major and project’s area of 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 time line 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 conference, a paper, art work, play, etc.). 
• Selected semi-finalists may be interviewed.

Alianza de los Amigos Fellowship Advisor

Jenny Guerra,
jguerra1@whittier.edu

Past Fellows

Ivelis Colon '19
Fabiola Flores '18