B.E.S.T. Projects Fund

In 2010 a Bishop’s graduate, (who wishes to remain anonymous) with a strong belief in our University and a desire to help our most promising students achieve their full potential, established the B.E.S.T. (Bishop’s Experiential or Service Term) Projects Fund.

B.E.S.T. Projects Fund
The B.E.S.T. Projects Fund is the premiere experiential learning support at Bishop’s. The funds are awarded to students whom the selection committee believes have the potential for significant achievement and impact once they graduate from Bishop’s. It is meant to assist students in determining their career paths and realize their aspirations.

Focus
In keeping with Bishop’s liberal arts tradition, and to encourage creative and entrepreneurial thinking, the scope of projects eligible for consideration is wide. All project proposals should:

• Articulate how the project relates to the student’s area of academic interest or links to future studies or career directions.
• Demonstrate how the project will address one or more of the following outcomes:
  • Will assist the student in defining and/or achieving his/her career objectives;
  • Provides for a significant interaction with a mentor;
  • Allows the student to develop leadership skills;
  • Supports the values of social responsibility and contribution to community;
  • Encourages international experience or intercultural awareness.
• Examples of projects funded in the first four years are:
  • A Psychology student who attended a week-long workshop on Meta-Analysis (΄Stats Camp΄) in Lawrence, Kansas;
  • A Drama student who participated in an internship at the Michael Chekhov Theatre Company in New York City;
  • A Business student who developed a social media website to link students and alumni;
  • a Political Studies student who participated in a three-week study tour of the European Union;
  • a Biology student who worked in a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Virginia, USA;
  • a History student who experienced three types of work experiences in France: archeology, archival research and conservation;
  • a Music student who attended the Sarteano Chamber Choir Conducting Workshop in Italy;
  • An Education student who started a summer camp in Uganda for 50 AIDS affected youth;
  • 2013 B.E.S.T. recipients.

Range of Funding
Applicants may request up to a maximum of $7,000 in support. These funds may be used to fund:

• Travel or accommodations if the project takes place outside of Lennoxville/Sherbrooke;
• Purchase of necessary equipment (which would remain property of Bishop’s upon completion of the project), supplies or related fees (i.e. insurance);
• Conference or workshop fees;
• Remuneration for the student, in place of lost earnings.

Eligibility
Applicants for B.E.S.T. Projects funding must be full-time students at Bishop’s and be endorsed by a Bishop’s faculty member or senior administrator as a sponsor/mentor for the project.

The student must not receive Bishop’s academic credit for the project.

Students must have completed at least one year of full-time studies at Bishop’s prior to starting the project.

Students not returning to Bishop’s University will not normally be considered except under exceptional circumstances.

The project may take place during the academic year, the spring or the summer, and must be completed while the student is a full-time student at Bishop’s.

A student may not receive funding for more than one project.

The student must have a minimum 70% cumulative average in courses taken at Bishop’s.

Application Process
Students and faculty members will be advised of the B.E.S.T. Projects Fund through the Bishop’s website, and the Academic Calendar. The Deans will encourage faculty members to identify potential students or projects for consideration.

Completed applications must be received by February 1 each year. Applications must be submitted electronically by completing the online form.

If you have any questions, please contact Nanci Chagnon, Principal’s assistant, at nchagnon@UBishops.ca or 819-822-9600 ext. 2201. The B.E.S.T. Projects Selection Committee will review applications with a goal of advising students and their sponsors of the Committee’s decisions before the end of February.

The Committee may wish to interview students prior to making a final decision.

Each application must include:

• Explanation of the project and how it fulfills the objectives of the Fund;
• Intended outcome or goal of the project;
• Timeline for the project;
• Detailed budget and specific request for financial support from the Fund;
• Reference letter which articulates why the candidate is considered to be a high potential person and why the project will help the student achieve his/her goals;
• Biography of the student.

Frequently Asked questions

Q.1 What is the role of the sponsor/mentor?

Q.2 How long should my biography be and what should be included in it?