2018 Holster Scholars (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)
The Holster Scholars Program is a highly selective enrichment opportunity for curious first-year Honors students that supports a small number of motivated students interested in independent research the summer following their first year. Holster projects are in-depth, individualized learning experiences. Beyond some basic requirements, projects are self-designed.
UConn Preliminary Recommendation Form
(Faculty, please click on the link above to fill out
and submit your preliminary recommendation for a prospective Holster Scholar)
Program At a Glance
In the fall of each year, Honors freshmen may submit applications with a preliminary project proposal. Approximately twelve students will then be selected to participate in a one-credit course to develop their proposals, connect with potential mentors and hone their ideas. They will then re-submit final proposals in March and interview with the Holster selection committee.
Approximately 6-9 students will each be awarded a $4,000 grant to complete their projects during the summer under the guidance of a faculty mentor and present their work in the fall of their sophomore year.
Possible Projects
“Think outside the box” in terms of the shape and substance your projects. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Scientific / technical research
- Archival or text-based research
- Creative arts: music, composition, drama, painting, photography, film
- Design work / invention
- Community-based work or service learning
- Field observation / data collection
- Experiential learning related to an academic discipline
Every project must include
- Some form of research and methodology
- Some form of reflection
- Academic writing (even for creative arts, engineering, or experiential learning projects)
2019-20 Timeline
| September | Sept. 9: Holster Scholar Program Info Session for interested students: 8:00pm in the Buckley Classroom. |
| September | Sept. 11: Holster Scholar Program Info Session for interested students: 8:00pm in the Buckley Classroom. |
| September | Sept. 23 – Konover Auditorium: Come see the 2019 Holster Scholars present their summer research! This is an Honors Event, and students can receive credit for staying for the duration of any of the three sessions: 8:40AM-10:00AM | 10:10AM-11:30AM | 11:40AM-12:45PM |
| October | Oct. 14: Holster Scholar Program Application Workshop for interested students: 8:00pm in the Buckley Classroom. This session is open to all first year Honors students, regardless of whether they attended a previous information session. |
| October | Oct. 16: Holster Scholar Program Application Workshop for interested students: 8:00pm in the Buckley Classroom. This session is open to all first year Honors students, regardless of whether they attended a previous information session. |
| November | Nov. 7: Application Deadline. The application will include a brief personal statement, a preliminary research proposal, two letters of recommendation, and your high school transcript. (Access application here.) |
| Spring Semester |
As a Holster finalist, you will take a one-credit proposal development and research preparation course. (The Spring 2020 course will meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5:30; please consider scheduling around this block if your application is still pending at the time of pre-registration.) |
| Mid March |
Final proposals and mentor commitment is due. All finalists will be interviewed by the selection committee after spring break. |
| April | April 2020: Holster Scholars (grant recipients) will be named. |
| Summer |
As a Holster Scholar, you will complete your Holster research project the summer after your freshman year. |
| Fall | You will present your work at a symposium on campus when you return as a sophomore. Your final presentation can take many forms: poster or slide presentation; research paper presentation; creative arts project (musical composition, dramatic staging; painting, photography exhibit; poetry reading, etc.); design model (for engineering, architecture, landscaping or environmental idea); a report on a community based initiative; film/podcast/radio piece. The symposium usually takes place in mid-September. |
A Community of Scholars
In addition to receiving individualized mentoring, the Holster Scholars will provide peer support to each other as they develop their projects. In their sophomore year, they will have the opportunity to serve as mentors to new Holster Scholars and will be encouraged to pursue additional research and enrichment opportunities throughout their UConn careers.
Benefits
- Finalists receive permission to join the spring Holster Project Development course.
- Individualized mentoring and guidance from faculty and staff
- Peer support for your intellectual pursuits
- Experience designing, implementing, and presenting your work
- Selected scholars receive up to $4,000 of summer research funding
Funding for projects can be used to support housing, food, equipment, books, copying and printing, travel, and/or any materials you need to complete your project. Following selection, students will be expected to complete a budget prior to disbursement of funds.
Eligibility
- Candidates must be freshmen enrolled in the UConn Honors Program
- Holster Scholars must maintain “good standing” in the Honors Program
Selection
- Candidates are selected by an interdisciplinary panel of faculty
- Finalists are interviewed as part of the selection process
- Criteria for selection are outlined on the application and include a strong written proposal, personal statement, resume, recommendations, and an interview
History
The program was inspired by Robert Holster’s own excitement in discovering new paths of learning as a member of the inaugural class of UConn’s Honors Program.
Past Holster Scholars
Contact
Vin Moscardelli
Director, Office of National Scholarships & Fellowships
Coordinator, Holster Scholars Program
(860) 486-0087
John W. Rowe Building (ROWE) 426A