AWIS Educational Foundation
2008 Kirsten R. Lorentzen Award

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Eligibility
To apply, you must

  • be a sophomore or junior at a U.S. college or university
  • be studying physics (including space physics and geophysics) or geoscience
  • be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • submit the required number of copies of the complete application, for receipt by AWIS by Jnauary 31, 2008 , using the 2008 application forms available at this website (Note that this is not a postmark deadline--the application must be received by AWIS by that date.)

    Membership in AWIS in not required and will not influence decisions, but you are encouraged to consider joining. See the main AWIS webpage for information (www.awis.org).

    2) Application Forms
    Application forms are available from this website (click here). Be sure that when you print each form, the form page fits on one page. You may be able to use your browser controls to adjust the forms; you also may copy the web page and paste it onto a word processer page. Each form page fits on one page when the margins are set at 0.5 inch for the top and bottom and 1.0 inch for right and left. Be sure that you have printed the correct forms, i.e., those for the Lorentzen award.

  • You must submit five copies of the application documents. Collate all the documents in the order listed below, make five double-sided copies, and staple each collated set. (Do not submit the original sheets, which will not be double-sided. See the note below, however, regarding transcripts.)
    1) Summary Form
    2) Resume
    3) Essay
    4) College transcript--current institution
    5) Other college transcripts

    The transcripts may be copies you make. If so, also submit (not stapled into the collated material) one official copy of the transcript. When copying the transcript do not include the "back" if it is used to describe the grading system--copy only pages that show coursework and degrees awarded. (Do not worry about the logo that will show on the copies to indicate they are not originals.)

  • You also must submit in signed sealed envelopes three reference letters (using the reference form provided at this website). Five copies of each letter are requested on the form--all five should be placed in one signed sealed envelope. Two of the references must be from science professors or others who know you through your academic/scientific work. You should also submit a letter from an individual who can comment on your non-academic pursuits.

  • In addition, submit one copy of a brief biographical paragraph.

    3) Application Content
    All forms must be typed. You may use computer printouts that mimic the forms and you may give yourself more space than that allotted on the Web form. If you make your own forms, be sure to number the pages as relevant (e.g., 1 of 4, 2 of 4, etc.).

    Summary Form: This is self-explanatory. Complete the entire form. Do NOT reference the Resume or an attachment.

    Resume Form: This is self-explanatory. Do not cross-reference your own resume or another document. Highlight only the most important achievements or activities. Do not provide a complete list if it requires considerably more space than that provided.

    Essay (no form provided): This essay should be two or three single-spaced pages. In the essay, write about the following: (1) your academic interests and plans, including not only classwork, but also any relevant research, teaching, or outreach activities, (2) your career goals, and (3a) the non-academic pursuits that are most important to you and/or (3b) any significant barriers you have faced and how you overcame them.

    Put your full name at the top of each page of the essay.

    Reference Forms: Submit only three letters (additional letters will not be forwarded to reviewers). Select references who know you well and who can comment on your ability and achievements.

    Be sure to give references adequate time to prepare the letters and return them to you in time for you to meet the application receipt deadline. As noted above, two of the letters must be from science professors or others who know your academic/scientific work, and one should be from an individual who can comment on your non-academic pursuits. Five copies of the Reference Form and attached letter should be given to you in a signed sealed envelope, for enclosure with other application materials. (References should place all five copies in one envelope.)

    Transcripts: Submit the most recent transcript for your current institution. (If you do not yet have a transcript with fall term grades, send the most recent transcript with the application and then submit one updated transcript with fall grades when available--do not delay the five required copies and one original, which must be received by the application deadline.)

    Do not submit additional reference letters or other material not specifically requested as part of the application.

    4) Submission of the Application

  • Deadline for receipt by AWIS of the complete application is January 31, 2008. Note that this is the deadline for receipt by AWIS, not a postmark date.
  • All application materials must be sent in one package, including reference letters (which should be in signed, sealed envelopes) and original transcripts if at all possible.
  • If you send the application by express mail or equivalent you must sign the statement that no signature is required for delivery.
  • Send the application to AWIS Educational Foundation, Lorentzen Award, Barbara Filner, Ph.D., President, 7008 Richard Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817-4838.
  • If you wish receipt of your application to be acknowledged, enclose a stamped, self- addressed postcard with the application. Write "application received" on the postcard.
  • If you wish to be notified that the awardees have been contacted, enclose a stamped self-addressed postcard.  Write "awardees notified" on the postcard..