Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program
The Department of Computer Science of Smith College is excited to announce:
The Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program, which will award a deserving Computer Science major a full-tuition scholarship for 2 ½ years from the spring of her sophomore year through graduation, as well as a guaranteed research assistantship and other support.
Eligibility
Students who are U.S. citizens and currently in their first year (i.e., Class of 2014), who will commit to majoring in Computer Science in the first semester of their sophomore year or earlier, are eligible. (The grant from the Henry Luce Foundation specifically requires Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholars to be U.S. citizens, and specifies that the scholars' academic-year studies must take place in the U.S.). We will be able to make awards to two students: a sophomore (Class of 2014) starting Spring 2012 and a sophomore (Class of 2015) starting Spring 2013.
Students with an overall GPA of at least 3.3, and a GPA of at least 3.5 in Computer Science courses, have the best chances to be selected as a Luce scholar.
Application Process
Current eligible first-year students may apply through September 30, 2011. The application consists of an essay describing your aspirations and how you will further your plans, your (unofficial) academic transcript, and your resume, supplemented by three letters of recommendation. Each applicant will also be interviewed by at least one faculty member. The selection, by the entire faculty of Computer Science, will be based on proven academic excellence, commitment to a high-end career in computer science, and research and leadership potential.
The award will be announced in early November.The Clare Boothe Luce Program
Clare Boothe Luce was a U.S. Congresswoman, an Ambassador (to Italy), as well as a playwright and journalist. She promoted women tirelessly throughout her long life, and continues to do so through the philanthropic foundations she established. The Clare Boothe Luce Program, which funded the Computer Science Department's grant, "has become the single most significant source of private support for women in science, mathematics and engineering" [Wikipedia].
Research and Tutoring Positions
CBL scholars will have opportunities to be research assistants as well as tutors and peer mentors within the CS program for two (junior and senior) academic years. These academic year activities will result in a $2,100 stipend per academic year. In addition, CBL scholars will be offered two summer research experiences at the end of their sophomore and junior years ($3,800 each summer), though many students capitalize on their research experience to secure summer research positions in industry, at REU sites, etc., and the awardee is free to do so.Knowledge Dissemination
CBL Scholars will present their work both on campus during Celebrating Collaborations, an annual celebration of student research and performance, and in other venues as can be arranged. To increase visibility of computer science, the CBL scholars will present annually at the department's "Major Presentation" meeting. CBL Scholars will be invited by Smith College admissions officers to visit certain high schools to reach out to prospective CS students. CBL Scholars will have their expenses covered to attend at least one major discipline-specific conference with their mentor where they will have the opportunity to present their research and develop their own professional networks. Examples include the Grace Murray Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, the annual Consortium for Computing in Colleges (CCSCNE) conference, or other appropriate conferences.Constraints
CBL Scholars must remain eligible for each semester's tuition scholarship by maintaining their high scholastic standards. Scholarship funds may not be used for study outside of the United States. This includes Junior Year Abroad. CBL scholars interested in JYA are free to seek other funds for study abroad, during the academic year or the summer.Contact
Students may contact Judy Franklin, CBL Scholarship Facilitator, at<jfrankli@cs.smith.edu>.