Benton Scholars

Empowering creative and independent thinkers to do great things.

About the Program

Benton Scholars are students who exemplify the highest levels of intellectual creativity and independence. Selected in their first years, Scholars take a dedicated course together in the spring semester, receive funding to pursue creative projects or research in the summer, and work together in the fall to share the outcomes of their intellectual journeys. Throughout their years at Colgate, they take part in building a community that celebrates vibrant intellectualism.

Project Grant

Benton Scholars from any class year may apply for mini-grants to explore academic interests outside the classroom, including funding for academic travel and undergraduate research projects.

One-time grants of up to $3000 are available to Benton Scholars to undertake projects designed to advance their intellectual, pre-professional, or creative goals. In addition, mini-grants of up to $500 can offset the costs of travel to accomplish those projects.

Application for Class of 2028

To apply, contact the faculty director. Applicants will need to describe their proposed project and its goals, show how they help advance the Scholars’ larger objectives, demonstrate that they will have the tools to succeed, and explain how they will share their findings with the campus community.

Application for the class of 2028