Jennifer Caldwell Fund in Human Rights

This fund has been established in the name of a cherished UW alumna, Jen Caldwell, to honor her passionate commitment to human rights. While at the University of Washington, Jen was known for combining academic excellence with working for justice. She played leading roles in efforts to educate the campus community about rape and sexual violence, in switching our campus to 100% fair trade certified coffee, and in raising funds to support scholarships for young people who work on Guatemalan coffee plantations through the UW Guatemala Education Project. Upon her graduation in 2007, the Law, Societies and Justice program awarded her the Karin Stromberg Award in recognition of her outstanding combination of scholarship with public service. She also won the prestigious Bonderman Fellowship, which enabled her to travel around Latin America and Africa after graduation. Jen stayed in South Africa in order to help shape a new effort to encourage forms of global tourism based on equitable and sustainable relationships with local communities in poor countries. While in South Africa, she was killed in a tragic accident in September 2009.

Full Description

Tuiton fee waiver

Who's eligible?

All undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Washington (Bothell, Seattle, Tacoma) working on projects connected to faculty research or teaching are eligible to apply. Strong applicants will propose work related to topic areas about which Jen cared deeply (including fair trade, human rights, and women's rights). Preference will be given to proposed projects that are feasible, sustainable, and develop partnerships with established organizations on the ground.

Preference will be given to projects with the following characteristics:

  • Feasibility. The project has clearly specified objectives, a specific and realistic work plan (including tasks and timelines if appropriate), and the candidate possesses the skills and resources to carry out the work required.
  • Hands-on engagement. The project will have a practical human rights benefit. While it may be appropriate to also receive degree credit for this work, this is not a necessary component. The award places primary emphasis on real-world impact.
  • Partnership. The project will be undertaken in conjunction with an established organization working in the topical or geographic area where the project is to be carried out. This ensures that the student’s work is viewed as productive and positive contribution by groups that are already active in the field, and that the student will benefit from the guidance of experienced leaders.
  • Vision. The project clearly reflects Jen's commitment to connecting campus activities with service work abroad.

How to Apply

To apply, click on the link given below.

Official Website

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