Paul E. Sigmund Scholars Award

Princeton students walk in the footsteps of some of the leading minds in Latin American studies. Among them is Emeritus Professor of Politics Paul E. Sigmund, a former PLAS director and namesake of this annual award.

Funding Innovative Projects in Latin America

The Paul E. Sigmund Scholars Award is primarily for first- and second-year undergraduate students who wish to pursue a 4 to 8-week long field project or scientific research in Latin America or the Caribbean. Flexible by design, it affords an opportunity to bring the region into focus—whether through exploratory summer research, non-profit work, travel, or other activities. Ultimately, this can serve as a powerful foundation for future academic work, including the junior paper and senior thesis.

Application Details

Eligibility

  • Full-time, first- and second-year students
  • Preference given to PLAS students with at least one certificate course completed
  • Basic proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French (fulfillment of the language requirement) or a justification of how the student will manage to do the research in English
  • Special notes: Students may apply for the award up to twice during their time at Princeton. 

Parameters

  • Funding: Up to $5,000
  • Application cycles: Summer
  • Awards given: Up to five
  • Funding covers: Air and ground travel (coach only), room and board, living expenses
  • Not covered: Equipment, materials, and other expenditures

Opportunities: Upon their return, students submit a one- to two-page synthesis of their research results. Awardees may be invited to present their results at a PLAS event.

Honoring Emeritus Professor of Politics Paul E. Sigmund (1929-2014)

Paul E. Sigmund

Professor Sigmund joined Princeton University’s Politics Department in 1963, where he taught political theory and Latin American politics. He also served as PLAS Director. His research took him frequently to Latin America, particularly to Chile. Professor Sigmund edited five volumes, wrote seven books, translated and edited two classical texts on political thought, and received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Fulbright.

Apply

Find complete application details via SAFE.