Abe Osheroff and Gunnel Clark Endowed Human Rights Fund for Students

Website: UW Center for Human Rights

Description

The Osheroff and Clark fund provides financial resources for undergraduate and graduate students to support human rights projects that promote social change through direct action. The entire amount may be issued in a single award or split between multiple awardees. The number of awards and amounts will vary depending on the number and quality of applications.

Eligibility

All hands-on human rights projects aiming to achieve real-world impact — in other words, to improve human rights — are eligible, whether the work is to be carried out in the United States or elsewhere in the world. In keeping with Abe’s and Gunnel’s belief that accountability begins at home, priority will be given to projects that speak to the particular roles and responsibilities of United States institutions (including government, private sector entities, and the university itself) in human rights.

  • All undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Washington (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma) are eligible to apply.
  • US citizenship/permanent resident status is NOT REQUIRED.

Preference will be given to projects with the following characteristics:

  • Feasibility. The project has clearly specified objectives, a specific and realistic work plan (including tasks and timelines if appropriate), and the candidate possesses the skills and resources to carry out the work required.
  • Hands-on engagement. The project will have a practical human rights benefit. While it may be appropriate to also receive degree credit for this work, this is not a necessary component. The award places primary emphasis on real-world impact.
  • Partnership. The project will be undertaken in conjunction with an established organization working in the topical or geographic area where the project is to be carried out. This ensures that the student’s work is viewed as productive and positive contribution by groups that are already active in the field, and that the student will benefit from the guidance of experienced leaders.
  • Vision. The project clearly reflects the legacy of Abe Osheroff, in particular his insistence on accountability for the role of our own institutions (including government, private sector entities, and the university itself) in human rights.
Student Type
  • freshman
  • sophomore
  • junior
  • senior
  • graduate
Citizen Type
  • US Citizen
  • Permanent Resident
  • International or Other Visa Status
  • Undocumented
Procedure

You will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Biographic information, status as student, contact information, GPA, unofficial transcripts, etc.
  • CV/Resume with current contact information (phone, address, and email).
  • Proposal that answers the following questions:
    • Statement of purpose describing the project, your qualifications to execute this proposal, and the project’s timeline. (approx. 500 words)
    • Keeping in mind Abe’s and Gunnel’s commitment to accountability, how will your project bring about greater accountability for US institutions? (approx. 250 words)
    • Are you, or have you been involved with any campus or off-campus organizations working for human rights? Which ones and what is/was the nature of your involvement? (approx. 250 words)
  • A detailed budget describing how the funds would be used and, if applicable, how this support would supplement other funds, fellowships, and grants.
  • A letter of support from the primary organization with which you will be partnering.
  • The names and full contact information (campus address, phone, and email) of two University of Washington faculty members who are familiar with your work.
Contact Information

If you have any questions about the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us at uwchr@uw.edu.