Undergraduate Awards

Undergraduate research awards in the amount of $1,500 to two students majoring in ELTS with Italian or Double Majors. The award is offered annually by the family of the late Althea Caravacci-Reynolds.

Applicants must submit a curriculum vitae and a statement not to exceed one page in length, explaining how the research award would enable them to complete a clearly designed research project. Applicants must possess a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher.

The award will be presented at a reception that will be attended by family members of Althea Caravacci-Reynolds and donors to the endowed fund.

Award 1 ($1,500) will be given for summer research. Juniors and seniors may apply but preference will be given to juniors. Applicants for this award must submit a resume, including the names of two Italian faculty members as references, and a statement not to exceed one page in length, explaining how the research award would enable them to complete a clearly designed research project preferably over the summer, and preferably in Italy. The recipient must submit the results of their research, in no more than 15 pages, at the beginning of the quarter after which the award was assigned, along with a one page account of how the award proved beneficial. The required application material must be emailed to Prof. Thomas Harrison.

Award 2 ($1,500) will be given to the best Italian senior capstone thesis project. Faculty nominates promising candidates for this award, or students may also self-nominate and apply by sending a 1-page summary of their capstone project, and later a draft, along with their resume and the name of their capstone advisor to Prof. Thomas Harrison.

Professor Althea Caravacci-Reynolds (1916-1998) was a teacher of Italian language and culture in the UCLA Department of Italian for four decades. She served as the Director for the Education Abroad Program, Undergraduate Advisor, and a member of the UCLA Academic Senate and the Emeriti Committee. Her special interests were in methodology and Italian theater, which she incorporated in her classes by regularly staging and producing Italian plays, using her students as actors. High school students and members of the community attended the stage productions, which were held at UCLA. Professor Reynolds received numerous awards for her dedicated work to enhance Italian culture and art in Southern California. They included a knighthood from the Italian government, a gold medal from the Italian Ministry of Fine Arts, a bronze medal from the Italian Ministry of Culture, and the title of Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica italiana.

This scholarship is specifically designed for undergraduate students wishing to pursue long-term study in Germany, either through the Education Abroad Program (EAP) or direct enrollment, for a minimum of one quarter / semester to a maximum of one academic year. Applications are due in mid-Spring quarter, and should include the following materials: CV, one-page personal statement describing the program and length of study, declared or intended UCLA B.A. in ELTS with German or Minor in ELTS with German, a budget, information on additional budget sources, and financial need.

Student Testimonial: Michael Payne
I was a recipient of the Arnold Heidsieck scholarship to support a year-long study abroad program in Berlin (2022-2023). Without this scholarship, my undergraduate year abroad would have been inconceivable. And studying in Berlin was one of the best academic experiences I have ever had. I chose to study at Freie Universität in European Studies

Planning a study abroad can be a daunting task, and I chose this program because it was very structured and intentful. My study abroad goals were to achieve fluency in German and immerse myself in Berlin’s vibrant culture. Berlin being the epicenter for some of the biggest cultural shifts in the 20th century, and Freie Universität offering some of the best academics in Germany – I was satisfied.

Integration into foreign culture was essential for my successful and productive study abroad experience. From the genesis of my journey, the faculty at Freie Universität in European Studies led a carefully constructed program which introduced us to the beautiful and divided nature of Berlin. We were challenged from day 1 to explore on our own and given the tools to do so. Throughout the year, I worked to immerse myself in Berlin by engaging in sports: lacrosse. Playing for Berlin’s BHC men’s lacrosse club and Spreewölfe teams, I was able to travel throughout Europe and learn outside of the classroom.

Pairing travel with intensive historical and cultural analysis was essential to fully appreciating the cities and cultures I experienced. Academics at Freie Universität focused on the refreshing liberal arts. With a mix of culture and language-intensive courses, I was able to enhance my understanding of Berlin and Europe greater than ever in the classroom. Traveling through Germany and Europe – both with my school program and independently – I was able to visit over 8 countries and see amazing UNESCO world-heritage sites. One of these was the spectacular Cinque Terre in Italy. With 5 small traditional seaside villages plotted along 7 miles of Italian mountain coast, the views were incredible.

Breaking out of my home culture and personal shell to interact with a variety of different peoples was an amazing and enlightening experience. Everywhere I lived or traveled, I participated in organized events like music groups, surfing groups, dance classes, or language groups. Leaving everything behind was a super rewarding experience.

Thank you, Heidsieck Foundation, for your generosity! And thank you, Department of European Languages & Transcultural Studies for your confidence and support!

Up to five prizes of $2,000 each will be awarded based on a competitive basis. Eligibility is based on the following criteria:

1) French majors participating in the education abroad program in France in the following academic year.
2) who were not born in France.
3) who have never studied in France before.
4) who have completed two years of course work in French at UCLA.

Eligible candidates should send a letter of intent to the Chair of the Awards Committee, explaining their commitment to French Studies and their plan of study overseas.

One $2,000 prize from the Carol Minuck Fund for French Education and five $2,000 prizes from the Edgaro and Francesca Acosta Fund will be awarded to Nantes and Paris Summer Program participants based on financial need and excellence in French courses.

• • Carol Minuck Fund for French Education: One prize of $2,000 will be awarded based on excellence in French courses. Students must submit a letter explaining their commitment to French studies, a copy of their Degree Progress Report, and a letter of support from a recent French instructor, to Prof. Thomas Harrison, 331 Royce Hall, Campus. 951550.

• • The Edgaro and Francesca Acosta Fund: Five prizes of $2,000 each will be awarded on financial need and excellence in French courses. Students must submit a letter explaining their commitment to French studies, a copy of their Degree Progress Report, a copy of their Financial Aid Statement, and a letter of evaluation from a recent French instructor, to Prof. Thomas Harrison, 331 Royce Hall, Campus. 951550.

The UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Undergraduate Research Awards program is directed through the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education and administered by the Undergraduate Research Center–Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. These awards are awarded to juniors and seniors who have a strong commitment to research and who are completing a comprehensive independent research or creative project, capstone project, or a departmental honors thesis under the mentorship of a UCLA faculty member. Program participants are referred to as Keck Fellows.

This program supports research and creative activity by undergraduates at UCLA in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. Keck Fellows receive an $8,000 scholarship, are eligible for up to $2,000 in additional research funds, and participate in regular workshops on research and professional skills.

For more information on the UCLA/Keck Humanistic Inquiry Undergraduate Research Awards program, please click here.

The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) is directed through the Office of the Dean for Undergraduate Education and administered by the Undergraduate Research Center–Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.

The URSP scholarship is awarded to juniors and seniors who have a strong commitment to research and who are completing a comprehensive independent research or creative project, capstone project, or a departmental honors thesis under the mentorship of a UCLA faculty member.

URSP recipients:

• Receive a $4,500 scholarship (juniors) or $6,000 scholarship (seniors).
• Conduct a research or creative project for 3 quarters (fall, winter, and spring) and enroll in an upper-division research contract course for at least 2 of the 3 quarters.
• Complete and submit a departmental honors thesis, capstone project, or comprehensive independent research or creative project.
• Present their project at Undergraduate Research Week.
• Submit a summary of their project and a photo for an online profile.

For more information on the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP), please click here.