Information for Faculty, Staff, and Recommenders
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Fellowships Contribute to Students' Education
Well-conceived fellowship projects that take good advantage of the academic and other resources available can make a positive difference to students' trajectories. Advisers and mentors play key roles throughout the process.
The experiences that fellowships support during a student's undergraduate years or beyond are not, and should not be, merely "check box" activities. In other words, the summer activity a student proposes after their sophomore year might inform their choice of major, cultivate a long-held interest, or give them valuable exposure to the intricacies of their chosen field of study. The postgraduate activity a student plans might prepare them for their future career, get them ready for advanced degree study, or allow them finally to pursue a passion full-time. A fellowship-supported activity should fit into the student's "big picture," rather than remain a one-off, stand-alone experience.
How can faculty, deans, and recommenders help?
Whether or not a student wins a fellowship, there is potential for great educational value in the application process itself. Your thoughtful advice makes all the difference.
As you prepare to advise on, write letters of recommendations for, and sit on committees for the various fellowships for which students apply, please feel free to refer to the links on the right or to reach out to our office to address any questions or concerns you might have.
Thank you for supporting your students and the larger
fellowship process within Yale College.