In addition to competing for general scholarships available to all Purdue University students, graduate students who specialize with a secondary PhD area in "Rhetoric, Technology, and Digital Writing," "Technical and Professional Writing," or a closely related area can apply annually for one of two $5,000 Crouse Scholarships. Should there be no award given in one category, the award committee may choose to make two awards in the remaining category.

The application deadline for the 2008/2009 scholarships is Friday, March 7, 2008, 3 p.m.

Description of Crouse Scholarships for Graduate Students

Promising Scholar: Professional Writing and the Department of English offer a $5,000 scholarship for a first-year PhD-level graduate student specializing with a secondary PhD area in "Rhetoric, Technology, and Digital Writing," "Technical and Professional Writing," or a closely related area. PhD-level students may apply for this scholarship during their first year in the program. This scholarship, funded by a generous endowment from William H. and Ruth E. Crouse, is designed to support students of exceptional ability and promise as they begin their coursework in areas related to Professional Writing, including publishing and technical writing. Applications for the award are judged by a committee composed of faculty in Professional Writing at Purdue as well as professionals in the field. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, an application letter, a resume, and portfolio of work. Recipients of this scholarship will be encouraged to develop a project during the award period for presentation at a local or national conference or submission to a journal.

To apply for this scholarship, submit one copy of the following materials:

• an application letter that specifies which scholarship you have applied for and that discusses your interests in a PhD secondary area related to Professional Writing
• an unofficial transcript
• a resume or vita
• a portfolio containing one or two samples of your work

See the submission instructions below for further details.

Emergent Scholar: Professional Writing and the Department of English offer a $5,000 scholarship for a PhD student who has reached the ABD level and who has specialized with a secondary PhD area in "Rhetoric, Technology, and Digital Writing," "Technical and Professional Writing," or a closely related area. PhD-level students may apply for this scholarship after they have successfully defended their prospectus. The scholarship recognizes both promise and achievement. Funded by a generous endowment from William H. and Ruth E. Crouse, the scholarship is designed to support students of exceptional ability and promise as they complete their coursework in areas related to Professional Writing, including publishing and technical writing and begin work on their dissertation. Applications for the award are judged by a committee composed of faculty in Professional Writing at Purdue as well as professionals in the field. Applicants are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, an application letter, a resume, and portfolio of work. Recipients of this scholarship will be encouraged to develop a project during the award period for presentation at a local or national conference or submission to a journal.

To apply for this scholarship, submit one copy of the following materials:

• an application letter that specifies which scholarship you have applied for and that discusses your interests in a PhD secondary area related to Professional Writing
• an unofficial transcript
• a resume or vita
• a portfolio containing one or two samples of your work

See the submission instructions below for further details.

Submission Instructions

For each scholarship applied for, send or deliver one copy of your application materials to

Dr. David Blakesley
Director of Professional Writing
Department of English
Purdue University
500 Oval Dr.
West Lafayette, IN 47907

Mailed copies of the application materials need to arrive on or before the due date.

Materials may be delivered in person to Cathy Archer, Secretary for Professional Writing and Introductory Composition, in Heavilon 302. Awards are made in late-March for disbursement during the following academic year. The awards are distributed through the Financial Aid Office at Purdue University and can be used for any academic expenses.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2008, 3 p.m.

For additional information, email Dr. Blakesley at blakesle@purdue.edu or call (765) 494-3772.

General Note about Application Deadlines: Announced in early March of each year (the deadline falls in early March). Supplementary scholarship application deadlines are announced when appropriate or available.