For Students and Fellows – Overview – Postgraduate

Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network Postgraduate Scholarship Supplements

Value	Application Deadline	How to Apply
$5,000	See below	See below
Program Contacts

What is the purpose of the supplement?

The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network invites graduate students to apply for a scholarship supplement to advance their training in multidisciplinary research in language and literacy. The network is composed of researchers dedicated to solving the problems of language and literacy deficiencies that can limit the social, academic, and economic opportunities of Canadian children. As a Network of Centres of Excellence, we conduct research collaboratively using multidisciplinary and multisectoral strategies. We recognize that problems of language and literacy development have no single cause, and that research success depends on a network approach.

The network is mandated to increase the number of highly qualified personnel in language and literacy research and practice. Toward this goal, we provide support for supplementary multidisciplinary training to outstanding students who receive scholarships (federal, provincial, or other) for their graduate research.

The purpose of the $5,000 award is to fund activities that provide students with outstanding opportunities for collaboration across laboratories, disciplines, and the private and public sectors. Although these opportunities may be in continuity with the student’s regular academic activities toward completion of a thesis or of graduate course work, they have to provide something unique that would not be accessible through services that the student’s university may offer. Furthermore, the Network encourages student training in the areas of knowledge transfer and technology development by working with our partners and core facilities.

Are you eligible to hold a supplement?

To be eligible to apply for a Network Postgraduate Scholarship Supplement, you must hold a scholarship from one of the federal programs (SSHRC, NSERC PGS M or D, CIHR, or Canada Graduate Scholarships), the provincial programs (Quebec’s FQRST, FQRSC, FRSQ; Ontario’s OGS), or from some other scholarship awarding organizations. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2007 (postmarked). The proposed activities must relate to research or practice in child language and literacy, and must reflect multidisciplinary training that would diversify and enrich the student’s academic career. Student activities must be sponsored by researchers who are members of the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network (see membership list and description of supplement activities of the 2005 award winners at http://www.cllrnet.ca). Student activities may involve work with individuals who are not members of the network, however, students must obtain the sponsorship of a network researcher.

Students may apply for more than one award during their graduate training; however, priority will be given to first-time applicants and to students in the early stages of their graduate program. Award winners become members of the network if they are not already so. Successful applicants must maintain their full-time status for the duration of the award.

How do you apply?

If you hold a scholarship from one of the federal programs (SSHRC, NSERC PGS M or D, CIHR, or Canada Graduate Scholarships) or one of the provincial programs (Quebec’s FQRST, FQRSC, FRSQ; Ontario’s OGS), the application for a Postgraduate Scholarship Supplement will include the following materials:

1. A statement (two to four pages, 12-point font, double-spaced) delineating how the proposed activities meet the objectives of the Postgraduate Scholarship Supplement. This statement should include three sections:

a) State how the activities will provide multidisciplinary training related to child language and literacy.

b) State how the activities will supplement your graduate program of studies.

c) Describe what would be the value-added role of the network supplement.

The length of each section and their order may vary. However, this information will be critical for the appraisal of your application, so it must be presented clearly.

2. A two-page (12-point font) statement describing career goals, and academic and extracurricular activities that support the applicant’s interest in the objectives of the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network.
3. A two-page (12-point font) curriculum vitae supporting the previous statement.
4. A statement of endorsement from the network researcher who agrees to support the supplementary training. The endorsement should describe:

(a) why you are particularly suitable for the proposed activities;

(b) how the proposed activities will enrich your academic career; and

(c) how they will meet the multidisciplinary objectives of the award.

When evaluating the endorsement letters, the appraisal will focus on these three points with a major emphasis on points (b) and (c). In order to help distinguish your application from other excellent applications submitted to the committee, advise your referees that they must address each of the three points outlined above (paying special attention to (b) and (c)).

The network researcher need not be your graduate supervisor or from your graduate school. In the latter case, you must also submit a letter of support for the proposed activities from your academic supervisor.

5. A copy of the letter of confirmation of your scholarship (federal, provincial, or other).
6. A copy of the already-submitted scholarship application (federal, provincial, or other).

If you have a scholarship from another source, you may still apply. The provincial scholarship programs listed above have been recognized as having an adjudication process that includes review of research production or potential. If you hold another scholarship that has been awarded on the basis of your grades and of an evaluation of your research potential, you may still apply by forwarding the same documents as above as well as a copy of your full scholarship application. The eligibility of your application will be assessed on the basis of the information provided.

The application should be sent to:

Deadline: June 30, 2007

Note: Only complete applications will be reviewed.

Note: Address questions to chantal@cllrnet.ca.

Review procedures

Applications will be adjudicated in July, contingent on confirmation of your scholarship award (federal/provincial/other). Decisions will be based on the degree to which the proposed activities represent multidisciplinary training and on the applicant’s potential for unique and outstanding contributions to the goals of the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network. Efforts will be made to distribute the awards equitably across the network’s themes, geographical regions, and network supervisors.

The information that you provide on your scholarship application will be used to certify your eligibility. Each of your statement documents will be appraised to determine the multidisciplinary nature of the proposed activities and how these activities enrich your academic career. Likewise, the letter of endorsement will be reviewed to find of support for multidisciplinary training related to the proposed activities.

Notification of decision

Award winners will be announced in early September.

Payment

The network will issue payment of the $5,000 award through the student’s institution in two instalments.

For additional information, contact:

Chantal Phillips, Program Officer
The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network
Postgraduate Scholarship Supplements
The University of Western Ontario
1021 Elborn College
1201 Western Road
London, Ontario
N6G 1H1
Tel.: 519-850-2930
E-mail: chantal@cllrnet.ca
Web site: http://www.cllrnet.ca