James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship Info & FAQs

About the 2024 Scholarship

The 2024 scholarship process has passed. Check back in the fall for updated information about the 2025-26 scholarship opportunities.

Alpha Lambda Delta awards 20 scholarships to outstanding undergraduate members to support their educational opportunities as part of study abroad programs. There are ten $2,000 scholarships and ten $1,000 scholarships established to help qualified members offset the costs of study abroad. Candidates will be considered on the basis of merit.

After the submission deadline, each chapter will choose the applicants to advance in the competition. The number of chapter finalists varies based on last year's induction numbers (between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024):

One applicant for any chapter,
Two applicants for chapters inducting 150-299 members,
Three applicants for chapters inducting 300+

Please note, you may only receive an Alpha Lambda Delta Stemler Scholarship once. Direct any questions to scholarships@nationalald.org. The selection committee begins reviewing applications in mid-February, and decisions will be announced in June.

Eligibility

Stemler Practice App (Word Doc)

Students must have paid their membership dues to Alpha Lambda Delta prior to February 1, 2025.
Applicants must have been inducted at an institution with an active campus chapter.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) or higher.
The student's study abroad program must take place between May 1, 2025 and May 31, 2026 and be credit-bearing.

Scholarship Stipulations

Part-time students may apply but acceptance of the scholarship involves an obligation to begin and complete the described study abroad program within 12 months of receiving the award. The recipient must be enrolled full-time and working toward a degree.
Any request by a recipient for an exception shall be directed to ALD Headquarters.
A scholarship will only be awarded for study abroad purposes.

Responsibilities of the Recipient

Notify ALD Headquarters promptly of the acceptance of the scholarship.
Upon registration, send enrollment verification to ALD Headquarters. The scholarship funds will be sent directly to the recipient's institution.

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 ALD Headquarters 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: Am I eligible to apply for a scholarship if I am an international student?
A: Yes, ALD scholarships can be awarded to international students.

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 ALD Headquarters?
A: All applications are submitted online through ALD, but do need chapter advisor approval. We will take care of contacting your chapter advisor.

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.

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: No, they must be uploaded online as part of the application.

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.