English Department

Prizes and Fellowships

2023-2024 Submission Instructions

Writing Prizes Submission Instructions:

Deadline: Fall 2023--Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:59 pm.

  • Application Form: Click on link below to complete the Google Doc application form
  • Submissions: Upload your submission at the end of the Google Doc application form. If you are submitting for more than one prize you must upload a separate file for each prize.
  • Each submission must be:
    • double-spaced with page numbers
    • with the author's name, prize name and WesID on the first page.
  • You may submit no more than one piece (a total of 30 pages) for each prize. Poetry submissions may be a collection of poems.
  • One piece can be used for up to two different prizes if applicable (Example: one piece of fiction can be submitted for two different Fiction prizes.) However this same piece must then be submitted twice, once for each prize.
  • Electronic File Format and Naming: Submit as PDF or RTF files with the following Name Format: Last Name_First Initial--Prize Name. EXAMPLE: Launder_R--Horgan

Writing Prizes Application Form

 

Shu Tokita Prize Submission Instructions:

Deadline: Monday, December 4, 2023 by 11:59 PM 

  • Write a 750-word essay on one of the following two topics: 
    • How do you plan to use your major, or focus of study, to make literature more accessible to people of all backgrounds?  Please offer a specific example from either your own experience or perhaps a literary text that can illustrate your views.
    • What does literature have to offer us in our current moment of profound social, political, economic and environmental upheaval?
  • Save your essay with the following naming format: Last name_First initial—Shu Tokita  (Ex: Doe_M—Shu Tokita) 
  • Click on Google Form link below and complete all information on the application form. NB: Since this prize is need based, you must be willing to allow the prize committee members to share with each other your Financial Aid status. 
  • Upload your essay in the space indicated and submit your application.

Shu Tokita Prize Application Form

 

The Annie Sonnenblick Writing Award Submission Instructions:

  • The Sonnenblick family has established this award in memory of Annie Sonnenblick, a member of the Wesleyan class of 1980, who took great pleasure in literature and the creative arts.  The award provides up to $4,000 to a junior who wishes to undertake a nonfiction writing project during the summer between junior and senior year.
  • Applicants should send a description of their proposed writing project to be completed during the summer between their junior and senior years. The proposal should include a budget with estimated expenses, as well as why the applicant needs $4,000 in order to do the project. Applicants should mention previous writing training, reading, and research. Previous winners have written short fiction, collections of poetry, and nonfiction projects such as biographical sketches and studies of places. The completed project and a report on spending will be due Sept. 15, 2023 and will be reviewed by one or several faculty members and donors.
  • 2023 Applications are due Wednesday, APRIL 26, 2023 BY 4:30 PM.
  • Your project proposal should contain the following information:
    • Cover Sheet: Title of Project, Name, WesID, Class Year, Major 
    • Explanation of Project: 2-page double-spaced description; if you do not receive the Sonnenblick Prize, what if anything would prevent you from completing the project?
    • Itemized Budget: a detailed list of expenses with a request for a specific sum.
    • Sample of written work (15 page maximum): this may be a creative or academic work, which ever best shows your preparation for the project you are proposing.
    • Names of two Faculty References (written recommendations not necessary)
  • Complete the Google Doc Application Form below and upload your submission as indicated here.
    • Electronic submissions are preferred in PDF or RTF format
    • Save as one file with the following file name: Last name_First Initial--Sonnenblick (Example: McNeff_J--Sonnenblick)
  • Other Information:
    • Please email Jeanne McNeff, jmcneff@wesleyan.edu with any questions.
    • Awards will be announced by early May.
    • If awarded the prize, a report on your project is due on September 15, 2023.

Sonnenblick Application Form

 

Olin Fellowship Submission Instructions:

Deadline: Monday, April 3, 2023 by 11:59 PM

  • Your project proposal should contain the following information:
    • Cover Sheet: Title of Project, Name, WesID, Class Year, Major (if declared)
    • Explanation of Project: 2-page double-spaced description; if you do not receive an Olin award, what if anything would prevent you from completing the project?
    • Itemized Budget: a detailed list of expenses with a request for a specific sum.
    • Sample of written work (15 page maximum): this may be a creative or academic work, which ever best shows your preparation for the project you are proposing.
    • Names of two Faculty References (written recommendations not necessary)
  • Complete the Google Doc Application Form below and upload your submission as indicated here.
    • Electronic submissions are preferred in PDF or RTF format
    • Save as one file with the following file name: Last name_First Initial--Olin (Example: McNeff_J--Olin)
  • Other Information:
    • Please email Jeanne McNeff, jmcneff@wesleyan.edu with any questions.
    • Awards will be announced by early May.
    • If awarded the fellowship, a report on your project is due on the first day of classes in September.

Olin Fellowship Application Form

 

Winchester Fellowship Submission Instructions 

Deadline: Monday, April 3, 2023 by 11:59 PM

Procedure: If you wish to apply for a Winchester Fellowship, please complete the Google Doc form (link is below) and upload the following information:

  • a letter describing how you plan to use the fellowship
  • Transcripts: a copy of your Wesleyan transcript or Academic History and transcript(s) for any graduate work you have completed
  • Budget statement: An itemized listing of anticipated expenses. Please request a specific amount from the Winchester Committee.
  • Recommendations:the names of two people who have agreed to supply letters of recommendation by the deadline below. If you are a senior or have not begun graduate school, these should be members of the English department. If you are already in graduate school, at least one letter must be from a member of your graduate department.
  • Letters of recommendation can be sent as electronic files to the English Department administrative assistant with the Subject heading: Winchester Fellowship recommendation

If any questions or concerns please contact Jeanne McNeff, jmcneff@wesleyan.edu.

Winchester Fellowship Application Form