In order to be chosen as a Plastino Scholar, a student must present convincing evidence of exceptional intellectual, creative, civic or leadership ability through the application materials, written recommendations and a personal interview before the Scholars Selection Committee.​

The student must propose an experience that will allow the pursuit of a passionate interest that goes well beyond the scope of an academic course, normal summer job, internship or enrichment program. Seeking support for an internship which is offered by organizations which regularly provide such opportunities to volunteers may not qualify for a Plastino award; the key to being considered for a Plastino Scholar award is that the proposed project is self-designed and unique.​

In short, to become a Plastino Scholar, a student must demonstrate:

• Exceptional ability and promise in some realm of endeavor that is within the University's mission to foster
• ​A compelling commitment to that endeavor
• The imagination and resourcefulness to plan an experience likely to permit the expression of that ability in a way and to a degree not otherwise possible.​​

Any undergraduate student at the University of Delaware may apply for a David A. Plastino Scholar Award provided that, at the time of application, he or she is enrolled for at least twelve semester hours and has not completed more than five semesters. 

In order to be chosen as a Plastino Scholar, a student must present convincing evidence of exceptional intellectual, creative, civic or leadership ability through the application materials, written recommendations and a personal interview before the Scholars Selection Committee. The annual deadline for applications is in early December. Finalists are notified in mid-February.

All student proposals must include:

• A 250-word abstract of the proposed experience, detailing the nature of the project, the location, and the duration.
• A longer narrative of no more than 5000 words which explores the project in full, demonstrating the degree of knowledge the student has about the proposed experience and its objectives.
• Two letters of recommendation; one must be from a professor.
• A detailed budget demonstrating that the student has thought out all expenditures related to the proposed experience.​

You must make sure your proposal budget is not only clear and organized, but also covers all that you may need to complete your project. Several things to consider:

​​​Formatti​​ng

Good budgets are organized. They should be presented in a table, with headers at the top of each column (such as “Item," “Description," “Cost in Local Currency," and “Cost in USD"). Group the rows of expenses into categories (“Transportation," “Housing," “Meals," “Incidentals"). Depending on the complexity of your budget, it may be helpful to provide a subtotal for each category. The Plastino Selection committee should be able to quickly look at the file and have a clear understanding of how you would spend your award.

​​W​hat to In​​clude

Each Plastino budget is unique, but most include the following:

• Transportation to/from the project site (and – if needed – an airport shuttle/taxi)
• Daily transportation at the project location (i.e. a bus pass, etc.)
• Accommodation
• Three meals every day, as well as any extra for snacks and/or bottled water
• Any necessary insurance (for projects outside of the U.S.; check with the UD Center for Global Programs and Services for requirements)
• Incidentals such as visas or vaccines

Depending on your project location, it may be appropriate to visit an important museum or monument (e.g. the Taj Mahal if you will be close to Delhi, India). Feel free to include this type of item on your budget if you feel it will add to your research and experience.

What can't be included in your budget

Expensive equipment, gifts to host families, tourist trips that use more than a small portion of your funding. The Plastino Scholars Award cannot be used to support an organization that requests funding for you to participate in its program. If you have questions about this, contact pswhite@udel.edu.​

Students must also provide two letters of recommendation; one must be from a professor.

All proposals and letters must be received by December 10, 2024, via email to the address given on the application form.