Researching and applying for the right scholarship may soon be easier than ever with the help of a new Web site designed over the summer for Binghamton University students.
The Web site is an extension of the Office of External Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards, a department headed by former Assistant Dean of Harpur College Janice McDonald. It was created last January in an effort to guide students when it comes to applying for scholarships.
Both McDonald and Liz Abate, the provost’s office assistant for undergraduate education, came together to create the page, which includes information for both undergraduate and graduate students regarding academic scholarships, paid summer internships, yearlong post-graduate programs and essay contests. The site also offers information on free loan programs and alternative options for funding studying abroad.
According to Stephen Straight, vice provost for Undergraduate Education and International Affairs, the Web site fulfills the mission of the Office of External Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards, which is to oversee and coordinate “the process of researching opportunities; recruiting and preparing nominees; facilitating applications; and tracking results of student awards, fellowships and scholarships.”
McDonald said that the Web site caters to the diverse student body at Binghamton University in that it advertises opportunities for students with varying academic interests, majors, career goals and backgrounds. For example, some of the scholarships listed are field-specific.
In addition, the site offers information regarding academic funding specifically for women and under-represented minority students.
“[The Web site] is attractive and easy to use,” Straight said, adding that both undergrads and graduates can complete and submit a profile form that “can help Janice identify the most promising candidates,” and ultimately facilitate the interactions between students and the Office of External Scholarships, Fellowships and Awards.
In working with the page, McDonald wants “students to know what’s available to them,” and to remind them that there are deadlines to consider. She said that the Web site is not only a source of information regarding academic funding, but also a place for students to seek advice and directly interact with her in preperation for their future.
While the Web site has only been up and running for about a month, McDonald said that the page is definitely a start.
“It’s a work in progress,” she said. “It will grow and develop over time.”
The Web site can be found at scholarships.binghamton.edu.