Are summer projects really viable?
Technically, yes. The fellowship intends to support substantial community or public service projects, and historically, selection committees have favored projects lasting at least four months if not longer, making only occasional exceptions for shorter projects. Students proposing summer projects will have to demonstrate very serious commitment to their public service work. Are there exceptions to the $3,000 to $10,000 funding range? Yes, and they are fairly routine, but only if the duration and requirements of a proposed project warrant an exception. Selection committees first look to assess the merit, soundness, and practicality of proposed projects. Can a student use Pforzheimer funds in addition to other funds for the same project? Provided it’s clear that Pforzheimer funds are seed money, selection committees have no problem seeing Pforzheimer funds used in conjunction with funds from other sources. Students in this situation should simply inform the Fellowships Office and the sel