The Connecticut Council of Language Teachers is pleased to recognize and reward the excellence and achievement of deserving students at all levels of instruction across the state by offering various awards and scholarships. The information and criteria about each award and scholarship is listed below. Please note that in order for students to be considered for a scholarship or award, their recommenders must be members of CT COLT.
The Kenneth A. Lester Summer Immersion Scholarship is for students in grades pre-K through 16.
PURPOSE OF SCHOLARSHIP: To help defray the cost of summer language study in an existing approved summer language experience program. The maximum award amount is $1000, not to exceed the total cost of the language experience. Award winners may not change the study abroad program once accepted for the award. Program MUST take place in the summertime.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: Connecticut students in grades pre-K through 16.
IMPORTANT DATES: The application deadline for is March 31. The scholarship winner will be notified by within a few weeks and money will be distributed directly to the language program by May 30th for use in the summer.
JUDGING CRITERIA: A successful applicant will submit a complete application which demonstrates academic ability, integrity, character, and a sincere interest in summer language study.
FOLLOW UP: The scholarship recipient will agree to submit a brief summary of his/her language experience to be published in the CT COLT newsletter.
ONLINE APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Please include the following material in your online application:
- Application form, which includes a typed paragraph explaining why you are interested in studying this language and what special interests you have. In the case of a young child, the parent may type what the child dictates.
- One letter of recommendation from a World Language teacher. Applicant's may upload the letter as part of their application OR recommenders can use the button on the CT COLT website to complete recommendations.
In 1998, an annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was established in memory of Irene B. Stanislawczyk, a beloved colleague and a true friend to the World Language profession. An Associate Professor of Spanish and Methodology at Central Connecticut State University, she co-authored texts related to Spanish instruction and Spanish culture.
PURPOSE OF THE AWARD: To help defray college expenses for an undergraduate student majoring in a World Language and teacher education.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: A student who has completed a minimum of 15 semester hours of work in the major field (introductory courses do not apply) and acceptance into the teacher education program of an accredited institution in the State of Connecticut. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better in the major field is required. Only those who have not previously received this award will be considered.
The deadline for applications is March 31.
Online Recommendations:
In your online application, be sure to include:
- A personal statement answering the following questions: How has your study of world language influenced/transformed you? How do you hope to share this passion with your future students?
- A letter from the verifying official (e.g. dean, teacher supervisor or department head) that supports your application.
- Applicants may upload the letter themselves in their online application, OR it can be uploaded by the recommenders themselves using the "Recommender" button.
In 2021, a scholarship in the amount of $1,000 was established in memory of Paul M. St. Louis, CT COLT’s longtime Treasurer. Prior to his retirement from the classroom, Paul’s passion and enthusiasm for the French language were evident in all that he did with his students at East Hartford High School. Paul’s love of the French language and his dedication to the world language profession made him CT COLT’s biggest advocate.
PURPOSE OF THE AWARD: To help defray college expenses for an undergraduate student majoring in French and teacher education.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS: A student who has completed a minimum of 15 semester hours of work in the major field (introductory courses do not apply) and acceptance into the teacher education program of an accredited institution of higher education. Preference is given to students attending Connecticut colleges/universities or students who are from Connecticut. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better in the major field is required. Only those who have not previously received this award will be considered.
The deadline for applications is March 31.
ONLINE NOMINATION/APPLICATION FORM:
In your online application, be sure to include:
- A letter of recommendation from a college/university official (e.g. dean, teacher supervisor or department head) that supports your application. Applicants may upload the letter themselves as part of their online application, or recommenders may do so themselves using the "Recommenders" button.
- A personal statement detailing your passion for the French language and culture. How has your study of French influenced/transformed you? How do you hope to share this passion with your future students?
The CT COLT Future Teachers Honor Society was established in 2015 to recognize excellent candidates preparing to enter the profession of teaching a World Language. Students are nominated by a professor at their university who is a member of CT COLT.
Eligibility: The student must have been accepted into the language department and education program at a Connecticut college or university offering a teaching degree in World Languages. Students must be in the process of completing the Foreign Language Teacher Certification program - this includes DSAPs, MATs, and undergraduate and graduate students in the Foreign Language Teacher Certification program. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.
Students must be present in order to be inducted into the honor society. Spring candidates will be inducted at the CT COLT fall conference during the awards ceremony. Fall candidates will be inducted at the CCSU spring conference. Inductees must pay student registration fees to attend the conference on the day of induction or may choose to attend only the induction ceremony. All inducted candidates will receive a CT COLT Future Teachers Honor Society pin, certificate, gift, and free membership to CT COLT until graduation, as well as one additional free year of membership upon proof of graduation and attainment of a teaching position in Connecticut
Each university chapter, with an appointed professor to oversee the chapter activities, may purchase honor cords to wear upon graduation, supplied by the World Language department of the university. Eligible students should be nominated based on the following eligibility:
- maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- participation in community programs nationally and internationally
- leadership positions in World Language clubs and organizations
- advocacy for World Language, which may include tutoring other students, representing programs in major expos, degree open houses, and/or attendance at cultural events
CT COLT Future Teachers Honor Society Inductees
- Jamie Roxas
- Charles Taubl
- Shelby Church
- Kelsey P. Sullivan
- Matthew Gray Taylor
- Jerry Zhu
- Cecilia Maria Dávila
- Aaron Blais
- Emilia Vega Espinoza
- Maria Vega
- Stephen Brownlee
- Sarah Landers
- Julia J. Brignano
- Matti R. Colavolpe
- Sanela Ahmetovic
- Hugo Castaneda
- Cassandra Harris
- Michael Sendra
- Veronique Shay
- Brenda Valle
- Allassandra Cianci
- Karli Golembeski
- D’Lanie Pelletier
- Xena Lin
- Rosemary Green