William M. Bristol Fellowship

Created for Hamilton College students to “encourage discovery of self and the world, a greater appreciation and understanding of people and culture, and to enable individuals to act on great ideas through independent study projects rather than formal academic pursuit.”

Projects should be based on strong personal interest and commitment; they should be imaginative and thoughtful; they should be feasible; they should exhibit a spirit of inquisitiveness and a seriousness of purpose. Candidates will not be solely judged on academic record, but rather on the spirit of inquisitiveness and potential.

Eligibility

Open to seniors. U.S. citizenship is not required.

Duration

One year outside of the U.S.

Deadline

Early October

Amount

$30,000

Selection Process

Proposals are reviewed by the Hamilton faculty fellowship committee. Students are chosen for on campus interviews; nominees are selected for a second interview with members of the Bristol family.

Notes

The Bristol Fellowship was created, in 1996, by the Bristol family in honor of William M. Bristol, Jr. '17. Copies of successful past proposals are available for your review in the Student Fellowships Office in the career center.

Past Recipients

Bristol Fellowship

Bristol Fellowship recipients have journeyed around the globe living in gypsy wagons, on remote Pacific Islands, and villages in Africa. They have kayaked down wild rivers, lived with those less fortunate and danced through Latin America. They have had to be resourceful, independent, compassionate and courageous. They have known loneliness and isolation and found community and friendship. For them, the time of their fellowship was a year like no other.

All Award Recipients