Nicholas J. Deleonardis Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by American Sign Language Project

The Nicholas J. De Leonardis Scholarship
The American Sign Language Project

Posted deadline: July 1, 2026

Overview
The Nicholas J. De Leonardis Scholarship, administered by The American Sign Language Project, is intended to support full-time college students who undertake research focused on noninvasive technologies that enhance communication between Deaf and hearing people. Recipients must carry out the proposed project as part of their academic program during the scholarship period.

Award Amount
- $7,000
- Approved uses: tuition, fees, and books.

Eligibility
Applicants must satisfy all of the following:
- Be enrolled full time (undergraduate or graduate) at an accredited four-year college or university in the United States.
- Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident.
- Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Submit a complete application packet.
- Propose a research project that develops noninvasive technology to improve communication between Deaf and hearing people. The applicant must complete the project within the scholarship period and as part of their program requirements. The scholarship period may not exceed one year.

Required Application Materials
Include all of the items below in your submission:
- Completed application form (the form is located at the end of the Instructions and Application Form document).
- Official college transcript.
- One letter of recommendation (500–1,000 words) from a teacher who knows your academic record, skills, and abilities.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Acceptable documents include one of the following:
- Copy of U.S. passport (current or expired)
- Copy of U.S. civil birth certificate
- Copy of alien registration card
- Copy of naturalization or citizenship certificate
- A 3–5 page research proposal describing the project’s goals, timeline, and how it addresses an unmet need. The proposal must explain how the planned research will produce or inform a noninvasive technology that facilitates better communication between Deaf and hearing people. Specify the proposed scholarship period (maximum one year) and confirm that the project will be completed within that period.
- A personal statement (maximum one page) describing how you became interested in noninvasive communication technology for Deaf/hearing interaction and how this project fits into your personal and professional plans. This statement helps the selection committee understand the applicant beyond academic qualifications.

Selection Process and Criteria
Applications are assessed by a screening committee appointed by The American Sign Language Project. Evaluation focuses on:
- Academic achievement
- Quality of the research proposal, including organization, clarity of writing, and feasibility of completing the work within the proposed timeline
- Potential impact of the proposed research
- Applicant’s qualifications to carry out the project
- Demonstrated commitment to improving Deaf/hearing communication

Finalists will be interviewed in person or via Zoom to review their proposal and supporting materials.

Publicity
By accepting the scholarship, the recipient agrees to allow The American Sign Language Project to use the winner’s name and likeness (photo or image) on the organization’s website and in public announcements and press materials about the scholarship.

Award Distribution and Ongoing Requirements
- Half of the $7,000 award will be disbursed at the start of the approved scholarship period, after the recipient’s enrollment during that period is verified by the school. This initial payment will be paid directly to the recipient’s account at the school’s Financial Aid Office.
- The remaining half will be released after the recipient submits the required final project report.
- The recipient must remain enrolled full time during the scholarship period and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent) throughout the award period.

Final Project Report
- A 2–3 page final report is required. It should summarize research outcomes and describe how the stated goals were achieved.

Notification
The scholarship recipient will be notified approximately six to ten weeks after the posted deadline (July 1, 2026).

Right to Withhold Award
The American Sign Language Project reserves the right to declare that no award will be given if no submitted applications meet the program’s selection standards.