Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Sign Language Project

Purpose
The Nicholas J. De Leonardis Scholarship supports full-time college students who are conducting research toward noninvasive technologies that improve communication between Deaf and hearing communities.

Award Amount
$7,000

Deadline
Posted deadline: July 1, 2026

Eligible Uses of Funds
Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, mandatory fees, and books.

Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following:
- Be enrolled full time (undergraduate or graduate) at an accredited four-year U.S. college or university.
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Submit a complete application package.
- Propose a research project focused on noninvasive technology designed to enhance communication between Deaf and hearing people. The proposed project must be carried out by the applicant and completed during the scholarship period. The scholarship period may not exceed one year.

Required Application Materials
Submit the following items as part of your application:
- The completed application form (located at the end of the Instructions and Application Form document).
- An official college transcript.
- One letter of recommendation (500–1,000 words) from an instructor who can speak to your academic performance and abilities.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. Acceptable documents include a copy of one of the following: U.S. passport (current or expired), state/civil birth certificate, alien registration card, or naturalization/citizenship certificate.
- A research proposal (3–5 pages) that outlines the project goals, schedule/timeline, and how the work addresses an unmet need. Explain specifically how the research will lead to noninvasive technology that improves communication between Deaf and hearing people. State the intended scholarship period (not to exceed one year) and confirm the project will be completed within that time.
- A one-page personal statement describing how you became interested in noninvasive communication technologies for Deaf/hearing interaction and how this project fits into your career or life plans. This helps the selection committee understand you as an applicant.

Evaluation and Selection Process
Applications will be judged on the following:
- Academic achievement.
- Quality of the research proposal, including organization, clarity of writing, and feasibility of completing the project within the stated timeline.
- The potential impact of the proposed research.
- The applicant’s qualifications to carry out the research.
- Demonstrated commitment to improving Deaf/hearing communication.

A screening committee appointed by The American Sign Language Project will review submissions. Finalists will be invited for an interview (in person or by Zoom) to discuss their proposal and materials. The scholarship recipient will be chosen by this committee.

Publicity
As a condition of receiving the award, the winner consents to allow The American Sign Language Project to use their name and photograph or likeness on the organization’s website and in publicity materials, announcements, and press releases.

Award Disbursement
- Fifty percent of the scholarship will be disbursed at the start of the agreed scholarship period, after the recipient provides official verification of full-time enrollment for that period. The initial payment will be issued directly to the recipient’s account through the school’s Financial Aid Office.
- The remaining 50% will be paid after submission and acceptance of the recipient’s final project report.
- Recipients must remain enrolled full time and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) during the scholarship period.

Final Project Report
The recipient must submit a 2–3 page final report describing research outcomes and explaining how the stated goals were met.

Notification
The scholarship winner will be notified approximately six to ten weeks after the posted deadline. The American Sign Language Project reserves the right not to award the scholarship if no application meets the selection criteria.