Scholarships & Prizes

The History Department recognizes Undergraduates for their academic performance, knowledge of history, and community service through a variety of awards and scholarships.  Some awards require an essay or application to be considered, while others are based on academic performance.  Please refer to each listing for details on eligibility. 

Questions regarding any of the awards or scholarships should be emailed to history@udel.edu.

William ​Purnell "Old Home" Essay Prize

Awarded for the best undergraduate essay submitted to the History Department on the history of Delaware or the Eastern Shore (Delmarva). Essays should contain a cover page containing student ID# and UD email address only. Award amount: $400

Deadline: April 5, 2024​ Essay submissions for this prize should be uploaded here.​

Alumni U​ndergraduate E​ssay Prize

Awarded for the best essay(s) on a non-US history topic. Up to two (2) essays may be chosen. Total award amount determined by number of essays selected. Total award amount determined by number of essays selected. Essays should contain a cover page containing student ID# and UD email address only. 

Award Amount: up to $600

Deadline: April 5, 2024 Essay submissions for this prize should be uploaded here.​

Thomas J. Crav​en Essay Prize

Awarded for the best essay(s) on any topic in Delaware history, or on the political or constitutional history of the United States since 1789.​ Multiple​ winning essays may be chosen. Total award amount determined by number of essays selected. Essays should contain a cover page containing student ID# and UD email address only. 

Award Amount: up to $2,500

Deadline: April 5, 2024 Essay submissions for this prize should be uploaded here.​

Joseph Donald ​​Craven Essay Prize

The Joseph Donald Craven Prize is awarded each year for the best essay submitted on what changes should be made in the Constitution of the United States and/or the economic system of the United States to further the interest of democracy and make the government more responsive to the will of the people. Essays do not need to be long;​ 1,000–2,000 words are suggested​. All Political Science, International Relations and History majors are encouraged to submit entries. This prize was established in 1985 by The Honorable Joseph D. Craven, former Attorney General of the State of Delaware.​

Award Amount: $1,000

Deadline: April 5, 2024 Submit to AWARD-SUBMISSIONS@udel.edu. Please list “Craven Essay” in the subject line. Include your name and UD ID # on every page submitted.​

William E. Meakin Memorial Award

Awarded to a junior or senior history major who meets the scholarship criteria of academic performance and a distinguished record of community service. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to apply. Up to four (4) winners may be chosen. Total award amount determined by number of winners selected. ​​

Award Amount: Up to $4,000

Deadline: April 5, 2024 To apply, complete the 2024 William E. Meakin Memorial Award Application​

Recipients of these awards are chosen by the Department of History’s Honors Committee and based solely on academic performance.​

Alumni Undergraduate Awards in History

Awarded to undergraduate history majors for excellence in academics. Three (3) winners from each of the defined levels will receive this monetary award. Award Amount: up to $300

Senior – projected to graduate in Spring or Summer 2024

Junior – completing third year at UD but not graduating in Spring or Summer 2024

Sophomore – completing 2nd year at UD with at least one (1) FULL year on the Newark campus.

Eve H​​olst Clift Award

Awarded to a graduating history major for outstanding academic performance. In choosing between candidates of roughly equal qualifications, preference is given to students specializing in fields other than American History. Award Amount: $2,500

William H. Williams Scholarship in American History, 16​07-1865

Awarded to undergraduate history majors demonstrating outstanding scholarship in the field of American History from 1607 to 1865. Multiple winners may be chosen. Total award determined by number of winners selected. Award is distributed as a scholarship unless presented to a graduating senior, in which the award will be given as a monetary prize. Award Amount: up to $2,500

Recipients of these awards are chosen by the Department of History’s Honors Committee according to the guidelines dictated by the Office Student Financial Services with notifications sent in late June.

Arts & Humanitie​s Scholarships

Recipients must meet the scholarship criteria of academic performance and financial need as determined by department faculty and the Office of Student Financial Services. Preference given to Delaware residents. Award Amounts: approx. $200 to $500

Berwyn Fragner Mem​​orial Scholarships

Awarded to undergraduate history majors meeting the scholarship criteria of academic performance and financial need as determined by department faculty and the Office of Student Financial Services.

Award Amounts: approx. $200 to $700

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