The David A. Plastino Scholars Program

What is your passion? The Plastino Scholars Program can help you realize it.

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. You can learn more about the kinds of projects that might qualify for Plastino awards by exploring the links on this website where we describe the Program's expectations and parameters and the projects which have been funded over the past six years.

Normally, around four Plastino Scholars will be awarded each year. In 2013, three projects were funded. The 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.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

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. (The rule of thumb for determining your suitability to apply to the Plastino program is to determine if you will be returning to campus as a student after your Plastino experience. Plastino Scholars 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.)

HOW ARE PLASTINO SCHOLARS SELECTED?

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.

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.

​In the fall semester of each academic year, a series of information meetings will be announced for students who are interested in applying for the program. At the meeting, students can learn more about what kinds of projects might qualify for Plastino awards and can meet with previous Plastino Scholars to learn about their experiences. Students will learn more about preparing their proposed 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.

​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 no less than 1000 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 the student has thought outall expenditures related to the proposed experience, including such things as airfare, housing, costs for daily living such as food and transportation, visas, vaccinations, and so on. All Plastino scholars who will be travelling to international locations must include the cost of international health insurance (and are required to use the policy provided by the University of Delaware's Institute for Global Studies). More information on budgets is provided at the informational meetings held in the fall. 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.)

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

For more information on the application requirements and the application form, see the link "How to Apply."

​Plastino Scholars return to campus after their Plastino Experience to serve as "Plastino Ambassadors." They often speak in front of students and student groups, sharing what they have learned and accomplished. They meet with prospective Plastino applicants at the Plastino informational meetings, helping to inform and guide students who are hoping to submit proposals.

Each spring, a dinner is held for the past year's Plastino Scholars, who speak about their experiences to select members of the University of Delaware community, their parents, and other guests. New Plastino Scholars are announced at this event as well.