The Bander Family Fund Award is intended to encourage students to think creatively in defining work that can only be done outside the classroom. The Bander Fund will award $4,000 to one or two undergraduate students in the Krieger School of Arts & Sciences (KSAS) who wish to pursue such an independent project over the summer. The work may be independent research, a creative venture, or an internship directly related to a field of study. KSAS first-years, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply. Seniors are not eligible for this award.

A final academic report (approximately 10 pages) outlining the intellectual outcomes of the study must be submitted by the end of the summer.

Successful proposals typically come from students who are adept at self-directed learning, innovative thinking, and exploring the possible, not just the probable.

Funds may be used for research-related expenses, such as expendable supplies, special equipment, and project-related travel. A living stipend may be allowed if the applicant can demonstrate how this will directly facilitate their ability to carry out the project.

How to Apply
Submit a pre-application by October 28, 2024 (optional but strongly recommended), and a final application by December 9, 2024. Click here for an overview of the application process.

Recent Bander Awardees’ Projects

Exploring Queer and Environmental Futures through a Jewish Science Fiction Novella
Yara Changyit-Levin ’26, Writing Seminars

Assessing Social Determinants of Health Codes in Claims and EHRs of a Medicaid Population
Jaxon Wu ’23, History of Science, Medicine, and Technology