Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship 2025 (Up to $2,000)

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About Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship

The purpose of the program is to encourage and support scholars who may not otherwise be able to pursue professional human origins research training at a qualified field school or field site. Field school is a crucial step in the journey to becoming a scientist or research assistant. However, tuition can be unaffordable for students from the countries where field schools are located. The Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship can help you access the hands-on training you need to start your career in research related to human origins.

• Sponsor Organisation: The Leakey Foundation

Benefits of Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship

Grant

• Up to $2,000 per student for one field school season per recipient. If field school expenses are less than $2,000 per student, the Foundation will consider increasing the number of awards per school. Funds may be used to cover travel expenses to and from the field school as well as other expenses related to the attendance of a field school. All funds must be administered by the field school.

Joan Cogswell Donner Field School Scholarship Requirements

• Open to students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a country where there are limited resources to support training in fieldwork related to human origins research.
• Priority is given to students from regions where primates and fossils are found.
• Applications must be submitted by the field school director, not the student.
• The scholarship is typically offered to two students per field school.

Field School Qualifications

A qualified field school is a program established and affiliated with a university to offer hands-on training and education in the techniques of archaeology, paleoanthropology, and primatology. Examples of training include but are not limited to:

• Field methods in primatology
• Field methods in archaeology and paleoanthropology

Application Date and Process

The application must be submitted by the director of the field school. It is not submitted by the student.

To apply, please send an initial inquiry email to [email protected]. If your field school is appropriate for this fund, they will supply a link to complete the application. The application will require field school directors to include the following information on letterhead in PDF format:

• Describe the training program for the Donner Scholar. This should include information about opportunities for Donner Scholars to engage with international participants.
• Describe why this student would be a good choice for attending the field school, including current studies, future plans, etc. 
• If you are requesting funds for more than one student, you may include all students in this document.
• Provide the total cost of tuition and what it covers.
• List any additional expenses related to attending the field school.
• Identify other sources of financial support.
• Include a brief description of the budget for your request. 

Scholarship Application Portal

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