McClure Scholars
The W. K. McClure Scholarship Program awards up to $5,000 to undergraduate and graduate students for research and creative projects abroad that promote global responsibility. Supported projects explore significant global issues and aim to advance understanding and reduce international conflict across legal, cultural, political, economic, social, and scientific fields.
Eligibility
- Students must be enrolled full-time at UT and must receive credit for the research and/or creative project funded by the McClure Scholarship. Any undergraduate or graduate UT student may apply.
- Students must be in good standing with the University.
- While there is no absolute grade point criterion, successful applicants generally have a GPA between 3.0 and 4.0.
- Students must not have previously received a McClure Scholarship.
- Winners will be required to submit a 90-second video detailing their research and experience abroad.
- The McClure Scholarship will not be awarded to support participation in a Study Abroad Program or for projects taking place simultaneously with a Study Abroad program
Selection Criteria
A committee of faculty and administrators will review applications and select the scholarship recipients. Students will be selected based on the following criteria:
- Demonstrated connection between the project and the goals of the scholarship program
- Contribution of the project to the overall educational career of the student and to the broader community
- Academic quality and feasibility of the project
- Demonstrated commitment of the student and faculty advisor to the project
- Demonstrated ability to initiate and sustain creative activities and research
- Projects must incorporate a minimum of four weeks abroad
- Both the project and the final report or project ending piece of work (written report, a visual report, an artistic production, computer-based production, pieces of creative writing, etc) must be completed before graduation.
- The committee may require a personal interview as part of the application process
McClure Scholars
Can the McClure Scholarship be used for a study abroad trip?
No. Student applicants cannot use the funds for study abroad. PAO funding sources for study abroad can be found on their website.
Is the McClure scholarship extended to postdocs?
This scholarship is not available to postdocs.
Is there a budget template that I can use as a reference?
Can the budget include travel expenses such as flights and meals?
Yes, please include all expenses.
If the budget slightly exceeds the $5,000 limit, can I personally cover the difference, or should I seek additional external sponsorships?
Yes, the applicant may seek additional funding or cover any amount not awarded through the McClure Scholarship.
I noticed that “Materials and/or IRB status” is listed as a requirement of the Project Description. Could you clarify what that means and includes?
If the student is conducting research that includes humans as participants (surveys, focus groups, interviews), they cannot do this work until their IRB review is approved. More information IRB can be found through UT’s ORIED website. This link also has a worksheet to help the student evaluate if they need an IRB review.
The “other materials” references any other materials the applicant will need to complete the project. These should also match what is requested in the budget.
Do I need IRB approval at the time of submission?
IRB approval is needed before traveling to do research, not necessarily before applying, but it would be helpful to get it before applying for the McClure scholarship, as this can affect the applicant’s travel dates.
Where can I get the Faculty Mentor Information & Support Form?
What does “Academic history” refer to?
I refer to the unofficial transcript. Please provide any transcripts when applying. There is an option to upload them in the application.
Can the faculty mentor also write the letter of recommendation?
Yes.
Does the faculty mentor need to email the Faculty Support Form and Recommendation Letter, or does the applicant submit them with the application?
The faculty mentor can email both to the applicant. There is an option in the application for the applicant to upload both.
What types of references are you looking for in the project description part of the application? Is this separate from the Letter of Recommendation and Support Form from the mentor?
The in-country references are different from the Letter of Recommendation and Support Form from the mentor. The letter of recommendation is typically from a UT faculty mentor. In-country references could be individuals, companies, and/or organizations that the applicant will be working with or alongside while in another country doing the research.
What types of literature citation are needed in the application?
Please cite sources that will support the research work the project description describes. This can also include any of the applicant’s own work.
Will I have to allocate additional funds in the budget for the CISI insurance?
No, international travel insurance is provided if you are awarded the McClure Scholarship.
