We Act Grants support self-designed projects that transform knowledge, passion, and ideas into action, demonstrate creative and effective problem-solving, establish community partnerships, and produce a positive impact. Projects can be done with a team or as individual endeavors. Successful We Act Grant proposals will also address at least two of the six leadership competencies identified in the Laspa Center leadership model.
Students are encouraged to consider opportunities in fields that can benefit from an increase in diverse representation, such as politics, technology, and science.
Each We Act Grant recipient can receive up to $5,000 in award funding to support expenses related to completion of the proposed project. The amount allocated will depend on the needs the student indicates in their proposal budget.
Eligibility
All currently enrolled students (including currently enrolled seniors) are eligible to apply for a We Act Grant. Additional consideration will be given to students who have received no prior grant or award funding from the College and to those with demonstrated financial need. Students may not receive more than one We Act Grant.
In the event that a student is selected for more than one type of Scripps College grant (e.g. internship grants, Johnson research awards, etc.), they can accept only one.
We Act Grants are intended to support non-academic projects and are not eligible for academic credit. Visit the Associate Dean of Faculty’s Fellowships and Scholarships page for information about support for academic-related projects.
Application Requirements
The application includes a series of short-answer questions, four essay questions, and a proposed budget. Students must also upload their resume and identify a partner/host organization and point of contact, where applicable. The Laspa Center for Leadership may contact the partner organization for confirmation.
Institutional Review Board (IRB) Information: If your project involves work with human participants (ex. surveys, interviews) your project will require IRB approval. Your faculty mentor must possess the relevant training and be willing to supervise your research methodology. You must correspond via email or in person with an IRB chair or the administrator to receive guidance on IRB requirements. Read more about how to apply for IRB approval.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Information: If your research involves work with animals, you must work closely with a Keck Science professor who has the expertise required for the project and you must receive relevant training and health clearance. All experiments involving vertebrate animals must be approved by the Keck Science IACUC. Contact Professor Melissa Coleman with questions about animal use.
Supplemental Materials
Award recipients should be willing to share their experiences with the community and will be asked to submit:
- A reflection on how this project impacted your leadership development, which is for the Laspa Center only and will not be shared externally (academic tone: minimum 1000 words)
- A shorter narrative description of your experiences with completing the project, which may be shared in whole or part on the College website and/or social media (conversational tone: minimum 750 words)
- At least two images that capture the essence of the project
- A short video (3 minutes) about the experience
- A poster presentation at Scripps tea during the fall immediately following (returning students) or a Zoom program (graduating seniors or students studying abroad)
Timeline
Applications for Summer 2025 are now closed. Due date: March 9, 2025. Students will be notified of the status of their application by March 31, 2025.
For More Information visit the Laspa Center or send questions to laspa@scrippscollege.edu