Summer Discovery Grant

Bluffton University encourages you to take a break from wage work for part of your summer to create an experience that allows you to consider new vocational possibilities. This is an opportunity for you to dream a little!

Are you an education major considering teaching in an urban school setting but have never experienced the inner city? Are you a science major who would like to volunteer your lab skills for an exciting project at a research institute? Are you a religion major who would like to spend some reflective time at a monastery?

With a Summer Discovery Grant, current first year or sophomore students have the opportunity to design their own 4-6 week summer experience to explore the relationship between vocation and faith. A Summer Discovery Grant may help you discover your calling!  Up to two students will be awarded grants in the amount of $1,500. Grant funds are provided by the Karl Schultz Discovery Funds, an endowment established through the gift of Bluffton alumnus, Karl Schultz.

Guidelines for eligibility
  • An interest in designing an experience for yourself that will allow you to creatively explore vocation
  • Open to current first years or sophomores with a declared major
  • Registered for classes at Bluffton University for fall of the year for which you are applying for funds.
Experience guidelines

Typically these experiences are:

  • Organized for a 4-6 week period of time during the summer
  • Positions that you will not be paid for in addition to the $1,500 grant 
  • Not experiences for which you hope to gain college credit.
Application guidelines

Application packets are available in the student life office and at Marbeck Desk. To  apply, please submit the following items:

  • Completed application form and grant proposal (PDF) 
  • Current Bluffton University transcript
  • Two recommendations (PDF)
      - one from a Bluffton University faculty member
      - the second from another Bluffton faculty member or from a Bluffton staff member
Application deadline for summer 2012 is March 16, 2012. Decisions will be made by March 30.

For more information, contact Kathy Dickson at dicksonk@bluffton.edu or phone 3317.

Download, print and return application and recommendation forms to Amber Smith Marbeck box 70:
application PDF   recommendation PDF