Every year, the Roy R. Charles Center awards numerous scholarships to students at the College. Thousands of dollars are just an application away, but time is running out — applications for the various scholarships are due March 20.
p. The Charles Center serves the College community by supporting interdisciplinary and honors programs, faculty development, student research and the Monroe scholar program. It is located in the basement of Tucker Hall and annually doles out funding for students who excel in their chosen fields of study and are looking to conduct research both on campus and abroad.
p. There are at least 13 scholarships available, mostly ranging
between $2,000 and $3,000 with a few reaching up to $9,000. Most applications require a two- to three-page proposal, a 750-word personal statement and a transcript.
p. According to Lisa Grimes, the director of fellowships and undergraduate research for the Charles Center, “The scholarships are funded by alumni and friends of the College, including the Christopher Wren Association.”
p. Should students seek advice, they can consult a Peer Scholarship Advisor. PSAs are typically former recipients of scholarships and are current students who are available to share their experience and offer pointers for applicants. PSAs also hold office hours and advise students not only on the scholarships they themselves utilized, but also for all scholarships provided by the Charles Center.
p. Grimes encouraged students to consider applying for the many opportunities funded by their scholarships. Much of the selection process is not need-based, so students should not be deterred from applying if they think financial qualification would preclude them.
p. Past scholarships have taken students overseas, furthered their studies in international affairs and provided for summer research in Williamsburg. Last year, sophomore Elizabeth Budrionis was awarded a 2006 Charles Center scholarship for summer research in the United States. She unearthed the history and secrets of the Peyton Randolph House in Colonial Williamsburg and compiled her results into a documentary film that debuted at the Kimball Theatre this past fall.
p. For more information, contact Grimes at lmgrim@wm.edu.
