- A narrative proposal, no more than 1,000 words (approximately 4 double-spaced word processed pages) in length. The narrative should describe:
- the proposed research,
- the goals of the work or field school,
- the field methods that will be used, or the sources of information that will be analyzed, or any other significant resources that will be consulted,
- the timeline for completion of the project,
- the applicant’s background that prepares him/her to conduct the work, and
- the significance of the endeavor to the student’s academic program.
- (Optional) A detailed budget and budget justification that clearly outline and explain research expenses. NOTE: A budget is not necessary in all cases. Please submit a budget if you wish to request up to $500 in research-related expense reimbursement. The budget should be comprehensive, specific, and reasonable. All costs should be relevant and essential to the project and be justified in the budget narrative. In general, budgets demonstrating frugality will be more competitive (e.g., shared accommodations, use of public transportation).
- A statement identifying other funding sources to which the student has applied, and other funding sources that have been awarded for the project. If you expect to request or receive funding from more than one source, make sure to detail what expenses will be covered by the Riley Research Award in distinction to other sources.
- A current ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ transcript (print-out from Polaris is acceptable).
- A letter of recommendation from the faculty member who has agreed to supervise or sponsor the project. The recommendation should address the feasibility of the project, the applicant’s preparation, and the importance of the project to the student’s academic career. Faculty should email their letter directly to the Sociology Academic Department Coordinator.
- A letter of acceptance, or a letter of invitation, from the organization where the applicant will be conducting research. (Only necessary for those applicants who will be participating in a field school or working directly with an organization other than ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø±¬ÍøÕ¾ College.)
- Should an award be granted, recipients using human or animal subjects must show Institutional Review Board approval of the project’s research methods before funds will be released.
Riley Research Awards
The Riley Research Awards are intended for major projects occurring over the summer. Sociology majors and minors who have developed projects of 4-10 weeks duration that take place during the summer months may apply for a Riley Research Award. Riley Awards will range from $2,400 to $6,000 based on a weekly stipend of $600. Additionally, students may request additional research-related funds of up to $500. Students can also apply for funds to cover travel, room and board, and other research costs.
How to Apply
Applications for the Riley Research Awards are due by NOON on April 5th, 2025.Complete grant applications should be emailed to Lori Brackett at lbracket@bowdoin.edu.
Applicants should list their last name and the grant name in the header of the email. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Awards are made on the basis of the quality and feasibility of the project as described in the narrative section of the proposal, the project’s relevance to the applicant’s course of study and academic goals, the applicant’s preparation to carry out the project, the applicant’s academic record, and the faculty mentor’s recommendation.
- Only Sociology majors and minors can apply for the award.
- Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply for Riley awards.
- The awarded funds may not be used for tuition for summer school or language courses.