James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship

The National Council offers 20 James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarships annually.  There are ten $1,000 scholarships and ten $2,000 scholarships. Applications for this undergraduate study abroad scholarship are available to chapters via the national website. Local chapters will hold a competition to determine which student or students' names will go forward to the national competition. The number of each chapter's finalists varies based on last year's initiation numbers (between June 1 and May 31):

• One applicant for any chapter,

• Two applicants for chapters initiating 150 - 299 members,

• Three applicants for chapters initiating over 300 members.

How to Apply

The chapter finalists must be submitted to the National Office by February 15, 2019. Check with your chapter regarding your local scholarship deadline. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April.  Scholarship checks are mailed to the institution in June.

Your application will be scored at the national level based upon the following point values:

Scholarship FAQs

Q: What if I don’t know the exact details of my study abroad program before the application deadline?
A: Submit as much information as you can. As you receive more information, please forward the details to the National Office at ald@nationalald.org. 

Q: Am I eligible to apply for a Stemler scholarship if my study abroad program is shorter than a semester?
A: Yes, study abroad opportunities can be anywhere from one week to a semester to a full year. As long as the program bears academic credit, you are eligible to apply.

Q: My chapter is not very active, but I want to apply for a Stemler scholarship. Does my application need to go through the advisor or can I just send it directly to the National Office?
A: Applications need chapter advisor approval.  Please contact the National Office directly if you are having an issue obtaining this.

Q:  If I am awarded a scholarship but then my plans change and I want to pursue a different opportunity, can I use the funds for another trip, either in the same year or the following year?
A:  The award must be used for the stated purpose you articulated in your application. If you are unable to participate, the scholarship will go to an alternate and you may apply again the following year. If there are extenuating circumstances, such as a change in program due to reasons beyond your control, the selection committee will be consulted for an exception.

Q: I would like to apply for a Stemler Study Abroad scholarship, but my institution uses an independent program provider for international study.  Can I still apply?
A: Yes, as long as the program provider can accept payment from your undergraduate institution. Alpha Lambda Delta can only issue checks to your undergraduate institution. 

Q: Are ALD alumni or graduate students able to apply for the study abroad scholarship? 
A: No, the Stemler Scholarship is only applicable when used for an undergraduate.

Q: Am I eligible to apply for the Stemler scholarship for travel during the upcoming summer this year? 
A: Yes, as long as the study abroad experience occurs as an undergraduate, and you are returning to campus in the fall. Scholarship checks are sent to institutions in early June.

Q: Am I eligible to apply for the Stemler scholarship for travel during my junior or senior year? 
A: Yes, as long as the study abroad experience occurs as an undergraduate and is used within the year it is awarded.

Q: Can official transcripts for the application be delivered via email directly from the university?
A: Yes, as long as it is through a secure link or emailed directly from the Registrar's Office.

Q: Does the scholarship apply towards tuition only or can it also be applied towards room/board, books, fees, etc.?
A: The funds are to defray college expenses.  At the point that the student has fully paid tuition and fees for the term, the monies will be given to the student to defray other college expenses. Note that all Stemler checks are sent to the institution, so any remaining funds after tuition and fees are sent from the school, not Alpha Lambda Delta.

2018 Scholarship Recipients

Click here to meet the past Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship recipients. 

History of the Award

At the annual meeting in June 2008, the National Council of Alpha Lambda Delta passed a resolution honoring retiring National President Dr. James G. Stemler by establishing ten new study abroad scholarships in his name. The number of scholarships has now been increased to twenty. The James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarships help offset some of the expense of studies abroad for eligible members of Alpha Lambda Delta.

The first male president of the Society, Dr. Stemler served the National Council of ALD for more than 14 years. He held the office of Vice President for Chapter Relations and Expansion, and completed his sixth year as National President in 2009. In addition to his dedicated service on the Council, Dr. Stemler has been an active chapter advisor at the University of Portland, and has been a very vocal proponent and promoter of studies abroad.

The Council recognizes that the world is becoming a global community, and there is a need for American students to experience life beyond the United States.  Study abroad programs are one of the ways in which our colleges and universities are accomplishing that goal. With this in mind, Alpha Lambda Delta is committed to helping its membership develop a more global view of the world.