A new scholarship created by the Promega Corporation will enable undergraduate science majors at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to work abroad as interns on projects aimed at improving the quality of life in the world.
Promega has committed $100,000 over the next four years to support undergraduate scientific internship experiences. In addition to advancing professional development in the sciences, the scholarship aims to help students develop intercultural skills.
UW–Madison students from all STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are eligible for the Promega International Scientific Internship Scholarship and can apply online through the UW-Madison’s Scholarships@UW site. Applicants whose internships use molecular biology techniques to improve the quality of life will be given preference. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program during the current academic year.
Internships may be during the summer, fall or spring terms and must be unpaid – in a nonprofit organization or a university research lab rather than a for-profit company. Students must be based outside of the United States for at least six weeks of the internship and must enroll in the three-credit online Worldwide Internship Program course offered through the UW–Madison International Internship Program (IIP).
Up to four awards of approximately $5,000 will be given annually (usually one for the fall term, one for the spring term, and two in the summer).
Applicants must submit an internship proposal abstract (200-300 words) describing how the proposed project meets the scholarship goals; a letter of recommendation from an advisor or faculty member that addresses the student’s qualifications and how the internship relates to the student’s course of study; a resume; and a letter from the internship host confirming the placement. The deadline for funding for Summer 2013 and Fall 2013 internships is March 8, 2013.
Recipients will be selected on the basis of clarity of project purpose; connection between the internship and a student’s academic and career goals; organization and presentation of project proposal, and the project’s potential impact for improving quality of life.
“Closer cooperation between the UW–Madison and the business community is critical to preparing the next generation of global leaders—people who will engage across borders and disciplines to develop solutions to the world’s problems,” says Bill Linton, Promega founder and CEO.
Promega Corporation is a worldwide leader in providing innovative solutions and technical support to the life sciences industry. Linton is a member of the UW–Madison Division of International Studies External Advisory Board.
To learn more about applying for this scholarship, visit this website.
Questions may be directed to IIP staff at (608) 261-1017, internships@international.wisc.edu.
-by Kerry G. Hill