The American Sign Language Project, NFP

 

 

 

The Nicholas J. Deleonardis Undergraduate Award
of The American Sign Language Project

Application deadline: July 1st, 2025

The goal of the Nicholas J. Deleonardis Undergraduate Award is to encourage undergraduate college students to engage in projects centered on non-invasive technologies that will improve communication between Deaf and hearing people.

Amount of Award
$1000

Scholarship program guidelines
To be eligible, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in a baccalaureate program at an accredited four-year college or a university in the United States. Work of a recent (within six months) graduate of an accredited four-year college or university in the United States will also be considered.
  • Have completed a project (either research or creation of a product) involving non-invasive technology that will improve communication between Deaf and hearing people.
  • The project must be the original work of the applicant.
  • The project must have been completed by the applicant as part of their coursework at the accredited four year college or university from which they will graduate or have recently graduated.
  • Have permanent U.S. residency
  • Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
  • Complete the entire application packet

Application materials must include

  • A 500-1000 word written summary describing the project.
  • Project materials (for example, slides, written materials, links to web pages created by the student, pamphlets).
  • A letter of recommendation (500-1000 words) from a faculty member who is familiar with the applicant's academic record, skills and abilities
  • A personal statement, no more than 500 words, that explains how the applicant became interested in non-invasive technology for better Deaf/hearing communication.
  • Completed application form
  • Official college transcript
  • Proof of permanent residency, if not a U.S. citizen

Applications will be evaluated for the following:

  • Quality of the submitted project materials, including
    • Commitment to facilitating better Deaf / hearing communication
    • Creativity
    • Understanding of challenges of research area, e.g. Deaf culture
    • Knowledge of current options available to the Deaf
    • Organization of sbumitted work
    • Quality of writing (clarity, grammar, syntax, spelling)
  • Personal Statement
  • Letter of Recommendation from supervising faculty member
  • Other qualifications as stated above: Undergraduate status, completed application, GPA, Permanent residency of U.S

A review committee established by The American Sign Language Project will choose the award recipient based on the submitted materials.

Application Period, Process and Deadline

Application materials will not be returned. Do not send originals of important documents. The American Sign Language Project is not responsible for lost, delayed or misdelivered applications.

Research Award Winner
The winner of The Nicholas J. Deleonardis Undergraduate Research Award of The American Sign Language Project will be notified approximately six to ten weeks after the posted deadline. The winner will receive a check or similar remittance of the award amount after confirmation of the winner’s address.

The American Sign Language Project reserves the right to announce that no winner has been chosen if none of the applications meet its selection criteria.

The winner of the Nicholas J. Deleonardis Undergraduate Research Award agrees to allow The American Sign Language Project to use his or her name and photo, image or likeness on the corporation’s website and in public announcements and press releases about the award.

Statement of Non-discrimination
The American Sign Language Project does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, or gender.

Closely Associated Parties are not eligible for the award
Relatives of current or former members of The American Sign Language Project are not eligible for the Nicholas J. Deleonardis Undergraduate Research Award. Relatives of major contributors to The American Sign Language Project are not eligible for the Nicholas J. Deleonardis Undergraduate Research Award.

Application Delivery Method and Address

Send applications to scholarship (at) aslproject.com .

 

Past Awardees

  • 2023 Dave Young, University of Washington

 

 
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