One of the functions of the Stephenson Institute for Classical Liberalism is to provide financial and logistic support to students, student-groups, and related organizations at Wabash College that seek to develop innovative extra- and co-curricular programs that advance and promote the mission of the Institute to curate informed inquiry into the nature, operations, potentials and limits of a free society.
Supported student and organizational work may be from any individual student or student group and focused upon any topic or thematic issue that directly addresses questions and topics related to individual liberty, personal responsibility, private property rights, and the intellectual history surrounding the normative and practical operations of a free society broadly construed and described on the “About Us” link of the Stephenson Institute’s homepage.
The available support grants can vary in financial amount and the duration of work involved. Possible projects include, but are in no way limited to the following: visiting-speakers, debates, receptions, conference registration fees, travel funds, or any other student extra- or co-curricular opportunity that synergizes with the Institute’s purpose. Funding allocation is intentionally open-ended to allow for and encourage innovative and experimental program initiatives. When in doubt please apply, all are welcome.
Proposals will be reviewed by the Stephenson Institute steering committee and director. Applications are perpetually open and reviewed on a rolling basis as long as dedicated annual funds remain.
At the conclusion of any supported project, the awarded student or group will submit a brief report of the work accomplished.
To apply for a student support grant, please send the following materials to Stephenson_Institute@wabash.edu.
If a speaker has a long and established career of output, it is helpful to explain clearly what specific topic and theme the proposed event will focus upon.
Some additional things for individual students or student groups to keep in mind when drafting their proposals.
If the proposal involves funding for a guest speaker, the student must inquire from the proposed speaker if they coordinate their visits by means of a promotional agency. Be sure to provide the contact information for said agency, and communicate any and all contractual requirements that said agency may insist upon within your proposal.
Key items of such speaker contracts to look out for and communicate as early as possible may entail: preferred honorarium amounts, travel requirements that may entail expenses beyond standard coach fares, and required security needs.
In the event that a speaker’s contract requires a security detail, the requesting student or group is responsible to gain clearance and approval through the relevant campus services prior to the Institute’s ability to pledge financial support for the event. In other words, the policies and procedures of campus facilities in terms of both space availability and security protocols take precedence over the Institute’s ability to financially support such programs. We cannot commit funding support until it is certain that the campus can logistically accommodate the size, scale and or scheduling of a particular program or event.
The Institute sponsors over a dozen fully-funded internships for Wabash students each summer, in a variety of fields — including think tanks, foundations, media outlets, advocacy and nonprofit groups — with a focus on the themes exploring the principles of a free society.
Students interested in learning about public policy have previously interned around the country, including in the nation’s capital. They have gained first-hand experience in the work of various organizations, including the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation (DC area), Pegasus Institute (Louisville, Ky.), UPenn’s Think Tanks and Civil Society Program (Philadelphia), and various Congressional offices.
Bryce McCullough ’23 explained the value of his stipend: “I was able to live in D.C. without rent or food costs hanging over my head… It was one of the best experiences of my life—filled with networking and learning, including connecting with Wabash alumni living in the nation’s capital.”
In addition, the Institute also organizes summer workshops on the how public policy works on the ground, including connecting students with leading practitioners; they have spoken about related organizations such as FreedomWorks, the Cato Institute, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and American Chemistry Council.
If you are a student interested in interning this summer, please contact Violet Benge at bengev@wabash.edu
The Institute sponsors events that bring thought leaders to the Wabash campus, engaging students and the wider community. See Upcoming Events.
The Institute supports students pursuing summer internships with national and international public-policy organizations aligned with its mission. Learn More.
The Institute was founded by Wabash alumnus Richard J Stephenson '62, a philanthropist and entrepreneur who is committed to a free society. Learn More.
Drawing on the experience of legendary Wabash trustee Pierre Goodrich and Economics Professor Benjamin Rogge, the Stephenson Institute celebrates Wabash's tradition of exploring ideas over ideology. Learn More.
As part of a long tradition of building free societies, including principles such as individual choice and constitutionalism, some perennial ideas about liberty resonate–from the Founding Era to our own. Learn More.
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