What is the Pathfinders Programme?
The Pathfinders Programme funds up to eight Balliol students to travel to the USA each summer and to remain there for a period of 6-8 weeks, staying for periods of 2-3 days at a time with Old Members of the College (including one 'out-of-the-way' location).
What is the purpose of the Pathfinders Programme?
The purpose of the programme is to encourage better understanding between non-US citizens and citizens of the United States, and to allow Old Members of the College to keep in touch with Balliol. The programme was started by W A Coolidge in 1955 and he funded it until his death in 1992. From 1993 to 2002 his niece, Kitty Lastavica, provided the necessary financial support. More recently, it has been funded by former Pathfinders; since 2007 it has been known as the William E Westerman Pathfinder Awards in honour of William Westerman (1947), as the result of a generous benefaction.
How can I apply for the Pathfinders Programme this year?
The arrangements for this academic year are as follows:
1. The College will make up to eight awards of approximately £2,000 each for visits to the USA during the Long Vacation 2011. All travel must be completed by mid-September, at the latest.
2. Any student who is not a citizen of the USA and who is in the final year of undergraduate study or the last two years of graduate work may apply.
3. Graduate students must obtain the permission of their supervisors before applying.
4. A strong preference will be given to people who have never previously visited the USA. Applications will be considered from those who visited for very short periods or when they were young, but anyone who has been there, especially on their own, for more than a week or so in the last few years is unlikely to be successful.
5. The qualities that the College will be looking for in making these awards are: (i) an ability to represent the College; (ii) overall contributions to the life of the College; (iii) the merit of the application; and (iv) academic achievement.
6. There will be a meeting on Monday, 16 January (Week 1) at 1.15 pm in Lecture Room 23 for anyone interested in the programme to ask questions.
7. Application forms may be downloaded from the website or collected from the Lodge, and should be returned to the Master’s PA (in hard copy or by e-mail to shirley.enoch@balliol.ox.ac.uk) not later than 5.00 pm on Friday, 20 January. Late applications will not be considered.
8. Short-listed applicants will be asked to attend an interview in Balliol during Week 5 of Hilary Term, almost certainly on Thursday 16 February from 5.00 pm onwards.
9. The successful applicants will be required to attend two briefing sessions. The first will be at 1.15 pm on Monday 12 March (Week 9). The second will take place on Thursday, 15 June at 5.00 pm. Successful applicants will also have to present a written report, including a journal of their visit and feedback on the programme, to the Master not later than 30 September 2011 when the final balance of the award will be paid.