The Lane Kirkland Scholarship program 2016/2017
The Lane Kirkland Scholarship program 2016/2017
The Program is addressed to young leaders, holding MA university degrees, who are determined to be actively involved in the development of democracy, economy and civil society in their countries and the region. The program includes two semesters of study at Polish universities and 2-4 week professional internships in public and private institutions.
THE LANE KIRKLAND SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAM
Polish-American Freedom Foundation
Founder of the Program
and
Education for Democracy Foundation
Program Administrator
announce an open competition for candidates from
Ukraine, Belarus, Russia,
as well as Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyz Republic
for
THE LANE KIRKLAND SCHOLARSHIPS IN THE 2016-17 ACADEMIC YEAR
Our Program’s philosophy is based on the mutual respect, regardless of the country of origin.
FIELDS:
Economics and Management
Administration / Management (i.e. business, NGOs, culture, environment protection and healthcare, education)
Public Administration (Central and Local Government Administration)
Law
Social Sciences (Social Psychology, Sociology)
Political Science and International Relations
Development Policy and Humanitarian Aid
Diploma thesis shall be of theoretical or practical character (in the latter case theoretical introduction will still be required).
CANDIDATES:
The 2016/17 Kirkland scholarships are addressed to individuals who represent the following professional groups:
civil servants, politicians, experts and employees
of central and local government institutions
entrepreneurs, managers
leaders of non-governmental organizations, animators in culture and civic activity
academic teachers, researchers
journalists
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Citizenship and permanent residence in one of the targeted countries (holders of permanent residence card in Poland are ineligible)
Master’s degree
Up to 35 years of age (in special cases up to 40)
Polish language proficiency adequate to effectively attend lectures and seminars and prepare a diploma thesis; or English - for candidates who select a specific study program with English as language of instruction (in such cases basic knowledge of Polish language is still required). During the interview candidates are required to speak Polish at least at the B1 level (diploma thesis written in Polish) or at least A1 (diploma thesis written in English).
At least 2 years of professional experience
PREFERENCES:
candidates actively working in their professional and social fields
candidates who have significant achievements
candidates who have not studied in Poland yet
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Application form on-line
detailed personal questionnaire
proposed program of study in Poland explaining
the purpose of participation in the Kirkland Program and including the future plans connected with its completion (not exceeding 4,000-6,000 characters with spaces)
Two letters of reference (in Polish, English or Russian), describing the achievements and qualifications of the candidate as well as the expectations connected with the candidate’s further development and work in her/his professional or social field – to be submitted
by e-mail
Copy of Master’s degree diploma (or PhD diploma) – to be submitted by e-mail
SELECTION PROCESS:
Approximately 45 best individuals will be selected
in a 3-stage evaluation process of candidates:
Review of applications with regard to eligibility criteria
Review of candidates’ proposed projects of study
by independent experts
Interviews (planned on 13-30 April 2016)
The candidates advanced to the third stage will be notified by e-mail or phone. Information on the final nominations will be mailed to the candidates in June 2016.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Monthly stipend paid to Kirkland grantees in Polish currency: about 1800 PLN. In addition, the scholarship covers the following costs: university fees; accommodation; insurance; one return ticket to Poland; public transportation tickets.
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM:
Inauguration of the Program (mid-Sept 2016)
Orientation (10 days)
Classes at universities (two semesters) in leading Polish academic centers, such as Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, Lublin or Wrocław
Preparation of two semester papers and one diploma paper
Four conventions of all Kirkland grantees
Personal development and animation activities
2-4 weeks of professional internship (usually upon completion of the academic program)
Closing ceremony – final diplomas (end of June 2017)
APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
Description of the program and detailed application instructions can be obtained directly from the following website: www.kirkland.edu.pl.
They can also be requested by e-mail, mail or phone from the Program Office.
Application forms should be filled on-line. After the on-line application is completed, the system will generate a confirmation document. The candidate is required to print out the document, sign it and send it to the Program Office by regular post with a photo of the candidate attached.
Two letters of reference and copy of diploma should be scanned and send by e-mailed at: [email protected]
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Application forms and relevant documents should be received by the Program Office no later than:
March 1, 2016
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
THE PROGRAM PATRON
The Program is named after Lane Kirkland, who passed away in 1999, the legendary trade union leader (AFL-CIO), member of the Polish-American Enterprise Fund Board of Directors and promoter of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation. In the 1980’s, he wholeheartedly supported the Solidarity movement and backed it during the underground years. He also supported the aspirations for freedom of other peoples of Central and Eastern Europe. He was awarded the highest distinctions, including the American “Medal of Freedom” and the Polish “Order of the White Eagle”.
CONTACT:
Education for Democracy Foundation
www.edudemo.org.pl
L. Kirkland Scholarship Program
ul. Hoża 59 m. 1A, 00-681 Warsaw, Poland
E-mail: [email protected]
www.kirkland.edu.pl
POLISH-AMERICAN FREEDOM FOUNDATION
(Program Founder)
The Foundation launched its activity in 2000. The main goal of the Foundation is to advance democracy, civil society, equal opportunities and market economy in Poland, as well as share Polish experiences in transformation with Central and Eastern European countries. PAFF finances its activities from revenues generated by its endowment ($250 million), the source of which are assets of the Polish-American Enterprise Fund. Since 2000, the Foundation has disbursed over $140 million for its programs.
The Foundation’s programs are administered by various Polish non-governmental organizations in line with the Foundation’s principles and procedures.
The Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program, launched in 2000 is a long-term endeavor of the Polish-American Freedom Foundation. Additional information about the Foundation and its programs:
http://www.pafw.pl
EDUCATION FOR DEMOCRACY FOUNDATION
(Program Administrator)
The Education for Democracy Foundation (FED) is an independent, non-profit organization established in 1989 on the initiative of activists of the Polish opposition and educators from the American Federation of Teachers.
The objective of FED is to initiate, support and conduct educational activity aimed at propagating the idea of democracy and preparing people to work for the benefit of democracy and to participate in democratic institutions. Foundation is supporting local communities in their activities aimed at civil society building. The Foundation Programs are built on the based on local tradition and culture, in cooperation with people of different nationalities, confessions and political opinions. FED works both in Poland and abroad: in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the Caucasus, in partnership with local organizations.
Areas of the Foundation activities are: socialization and democratization of schools, development of the civic activity and responsibility, global solidarity, including support of the cooperation of the Polish organizations with the Eastern partners.
The Foundation since 2000 is an administrator of the “Region in Transition Program” RITA, and since August 2013 also of the Lane Kirkland Scholarship Program.
The source can be found here.