The David A. Plastino Scholars Program

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 year. 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.

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.

Information presentation for applicants

Read about the 2020 Plastino Awardees.

For questions, contact Dr. Patricia Sloane-White, Director of the Plastino Scholars Program​, at pswhite@udel.edu or 302-831-2942.​

If you are interested in applying for a Plastino, make sure you read everything on the website. Make sure you watch the “Inform​ation 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 learned how to prepare 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.​

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.​

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. 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.

All proposals and letters must be received by December 9, 2022 via email to the address given on the application form.​

For an application form see How to Apply.​