The Founder's Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership

UCEAP Founder’s Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership Winter/Spring 2027 – $5,000 (UCEAP Social Justice and Activism program in Paris)
For students participating in the UCEAP Social Justice and Activism program in Paris during the winter/spring quarters or spring semester.

The Founder’s Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership aims to support and motivate future changemakers whose academic and professional interests will contribute innovative and sustainable solutions to complex global problems through community engagement and leadership. The prize will be awarded annually to a student participating in the UCEAP Social Justice and Activism program in Paris during the winter/spring quarter or spring semester.

Award: $5,000

The UCEAP Founder’s Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership can be combined with all UCEAP Scholarships.

Eligibility
To be considered for a scholarship, you must:
-Meet the core eligibility requirements.
-Plan to participate in the UCEAP Social Justice and Activism program in Paris and ultimately be selected.

How to Apply
To apply:
-Create an account on the UCEAP Scholarship Application Website.
-Complete the UCEAP Scholarship Form and indicate your intention to attend the Social Justice and Activism program in Paris.
-Submit a UCEAP Founder’s Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership application.

Learn more about UCEAP scholarships, deadlines to apply, and application tips.

Award
$5,000
Deadline
09/15/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. This award is specific to the UCEAP Social Justice and Activism program. Please confirm that you are attending this program before you apply.
  2. First Name
  3. Middle Name
  4. Last Name
  5. Student ID #
  6. Preferred Email Address
  7. Secondary Email Address
  8. UC Campus
  9. Class standing during term abroad
  10. Expected month and year of graduation
  11. Major(s)
    • Major 1
    • Major 2 (put N/A if not applicable)
    • Major 3 (put N/A if not applicable)
  12. Minor(s)
    • Minor 1
    • Minor 2
    • Minor 3
  13. Please enter your GPA (i.e. 3.15)
  14. UCEAP Program Information (2026-2027)
    • 1. Please confirm the academic term you will be studying abroad on your chosen UCEAP program from the following list:
    • 2. Please select your host country from the following list:
    • 3. Please select your UCEAP program from the following list:
    • 4. Please select your host institution from the following list:

  15. Founder’s Prize in Community Engagement and Leadership Statement of Purpose (500 words or less)



    Limit your essay to 500 words. Keep it focused, with concise and clear writing.

    Evaluators place great value on coherent writing, proper grammar, and accurate spelling. Have someone review your essay with these requirements in mind. We strongly advise all students to take advantage of writing resources available on campus.

    When preparing to write your personal statement, think about how you will learn and grow from your time abroad. The selection committee is looking for students who approach the privilege of studying abroad with humility, who will be keen observers of their host country, and who will be open to new experiences.

    Candidates should demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit and specific goals, emphasizing connections between education, social justice, and community. To apply, candidates should submit a 500-word essay addressing the relevance of the Paris experience to their academic and professional interest in community engagement and future goals. What does culture/community mean to you and how do you contribute to your community?

  16. Letter of Recommendation


    The letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged, though not required. Seek to provide a strong letter of recommendation, such as one from a supervisor, TA or faculty member, or the head of a nonprofit where you have volunteered. The letter should come from someone who knows you and is familiar with your academic work and personal characteristics. A letter from a supervisor or TA who knows you well is more useful than a letter from a professor who cannot speak to your personal goals and previous successes. You may use a letter that has been solicited for your general EAP application. Personal references are not acceptable for this application.

    You may upload a letter yourself if you have a PDF copy. If you would like a letter to be uploaded by the recommender, then please complete the following question with the recommender’s contact information so that we may request a letter for you. Be sure to contact your recommender in advance to confirm that he or she is willing and able to upload a letter for you by the deadline of March 15 (for Fall departures) or September 15 (for Spring & Winter Departures).
  17. Letter of Recommendation
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