US Participants: Click for Application Form
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRANSATLANTIC FELLOWS INITIATIVE: SUMMER INSTITUTE FOR YOUTH
Founders Institute – June 28-July23 - Ages 15-17
Diplomats Institute – July 5-July 30 – Ages 17-19
Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Are you interested in meeting young people from Europe and Eurasia? Do you have an interest in learning more about the transatlantic relationship, the role of a free press and the Internet in a democracy, an interest in public, and community service?
The Department of Communications at Wake Forest University has available 20 Scholarships for American students to attend the 2008 Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows Institution (10 for each Institute). These Scholarships include the following:
• $2,500 scholarship; Designation as Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow (covers tuition, activities, meals and lodging in a WFU dorm, and partial travel funds)
• Participation in all Institute events, including classes covering topics such as: Constitutions, Media Literacy, Citizenship Issues, Internet Communication, Economic Globalization, World Media, Community Advocacy, taught by Wake Forest and visiting faculty.
• Six day educational trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia, PA, including a visit to the State Department and the new Newseum. In DC; Constitution Center in Philly, etc.
• Cultural activities including an International Dinner, combined groups feature days, local cultural events.
You would join 40 Fellows on the Wake Forest campus for a three and one-half week Institute. Your classmates are from over 30 countries ranging from Armenia to Tajikistan, Denmark to Kosovo and Malta to Lithuania. Participants in the Founder’s Institute will arrive at WFU on June 28 and depart on the 23rd of July; the Diplomats will arrive at WFU on July 5 and depart on the 30th. In addition to classes, the Institute includes community service projects, site visits, and computer-training classes that will result in the building of a web-site and blogs.
Applicants must be U.S. Citizens. The Founders Institute fellows must be 15-17 and the Diplomats 17-19. Applicants should have a general knowledge of democracy and the role of a free press. Knowledge of a foreign language is not necessary.
A complete application must include the following 
• Official application form, completed
• One-page typed essay stating what you expect to learn regarding transatlantic issues (can be pasted directly into the application form)
• One-page typed essay describing one community activity that you have been involved in, including an account of your personal contribution to the activity. (can be pasted directly into the application form)
• Letter from one individual, and contact information for two other who could be contacted. Your recommender may not be member of your immediate family. Have your recommendation letter sent to the address below or they can submit electronically to .
Applications are due by March 15, 2008.
Send forms, letters, and questions to:
apply@bftf.orgMail: BFTF, Wake Forest University, Box 7347, Reynolda Station, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
Fax: (336) 758-4691
Announcement of Semi-Finalists – April 1
Phone interviews of Semi-finalists – April 1-7
Announcement of 2008 Fellows – April 10
Selection Criteria
(1) Strong academic achievement. Those in the upper quarter of their class will be favored.
(2) Record of participating in high school or college activities with an emphasis on community civic activities.
(3) Essay quality. Statement of candidate’s interest in transatlantic relations and appreciation of the Ben Franklin program
(4) Strong letter of recommendation.
(5) Telephone conversations with Letters of Recommendation writer
(6) Telephone interview with Semi-Finalists. Selection panel members will have a 10-15 minute conversation further exploring the candidate’s reasons for joining the program.
(6) Committee will look for a balance including geographical, ethnic, .and socio-economic representation.