The David A. Plastino Scholars Program

Where might your dreams take you? Plastino Scholars have gone to over 30 countries ... and some stayed right here in the U.S. (one even biked from coast to coast!). Have a look at a video that shows places Plastinos have been.

The Plastino Scholars Program was established in 2007 by a gift from UD alumnus David A. Plastino to help outstanding University of Delaware undergraduate students realize their dreams by supporting them in self-designed, off-campus learning experiences that create a difference in their lives and in the lives of others.

The grants provide funds that make a transformational difference in the lives of Plastino Scholars and enable them to pursue a passionate interest to a degree not otherwise possible.

The David A. Plastino Program awards study grants to selected undergraduate students who exhibit extraordinary talent, promise and imagination.

Normally, around four to six Plastino Scholars will be awarded each yearThe amount of each award will depend on the nature of the experience proposed. Except in unusual circumstances, the maximum individual award will be $6,000.

Any undergraduate student at the University of Delaware may apply 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.

Plastino Scholars who have not graduated will serve as "Plastino Ambassadors" after they complete their experience, bringing their knowledge back to the University of Delaware community when they return, and therefore, only returning students are eligible.​

Please come to one of the Plastino Information Sessions: October 5 @ 5:00, McDowell 205/206 and October 16 @ 7:00, McDowell 205/206

More Information available here:

For questions, contact, Dr. Patricia Sloane-White, Director of the Plastino Scholars Program​, at pswhite@udel.edu.​​

David Plastino getting to know Plastino Scholars

If you are interested in applying for a Plastino, make sure you read everything on the website. Make sure you watch the “Information Presentation for Applicants"​ presentation. Have a look at the list of previous Plastino awardees to learn more about what kinds of projects might qualify for Plastino awards. And make sure you’ve carefully thought out and prepared your budgets, an essential part of the application process. ​

Successful Plastino applicants also report that they used all the tools and information available to them, seeking out professors and mentors who can help them find the resources and connections which will strengthen their proposals.​​

Drew Sanclemente, traveled to Tanzania to conduct research while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She had to travel light. Everything she packed is pictured here.

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.​​

Plastino Scholar Kira Smith traveled to China to research international adoptions at the orphanage from which she had been adopted 20 years earlier. Her trip to China allowed her to study the factors that support and hinder international adoptions and to learn more about the culture of her native country.

Students who intend to apply for a Plastino should give considerable time and thought to their proposals. Plastino Scholars are generally outstanding communicators; this quality should be reflected in their application.

All proposals must include a 250-word abstract of the proposed experience, detailing the nature of the project, the location, and the duration.

All proposals must include a longer narrative of up to 5000 words which explores the project in full, demonstrating the degree of knowledge the student has about the proposed experience and its objectives.​

All proposals must include a detailed budget demonstrating that the student has thought out all expenditures related to the proposed experience, including such things as airfare, housing, costs for daily living such as food and transportation, visas and vaccinations. More information on budgets is provided below. Students should be prudent and realistic in preparing their budgets. (To help determine appropriate costs for their travel and housing, use a good budget-travel guide.)​

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 11, 2023, via email to the address given on the application form.

For an application form see How to Apply.​​