Benton Scholars

  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Scholars Programs
  4. Benton Scholars

Developing and preparing world leaders for success in a global 21st century

About the Program

The Benton Scholars program infuses the curriculum of its students with an even greater focus on civic and social leadership. While Benton scholars are free to craft their own majors, courses of study, and extracurricular priorities, they receive unique opportunities in their first year to learn on and off campus, with the responsibility of sharing the knowledge they acquire with the greater Colgate community.

While the formal opportunities of the program are focused primarily on the scholars' first year, they are a part of a Benton Scholars community that persists throughout their four years on campus.

Mini-grants

Benton Scholars of all class years may apply for mini-grants to fund the exploration of topics of academic interest outside the classroom. This may include funding applied toward academic travel and undergraduate research projects.

$500
Toward academic travel and research

Bentons may apply for a mini-grant once every academic year. The application process requires:

  • A project proposal
  • Proposed budget
  • Itinerary

Applications are reviewed by the program's faculty director. Scholars interested in applying for an award should contact them for more information.

Meet Some of the Scholars

Jenny Lundt ’19

Eco-Exploration in Colombia

Jenny Lundt ’19
Risako Yang ’21

Studying mammalian reproduction

Risako Yang ’21
Jake Scott ’20

Economic study of students' major choices

Jake Scott ’20

Faculty and Staff

Students in the Benton Scholars program benefit from the engagement and guidance of both a faculty and staff director:

vramachandran
Vijay Ramachandran
Associate Professor of Computer Science; Director, Benton Scholars Program
308 McGregory Hall
crodman
Cassidy Rodman
Administrative Assistant
McGregory Hall