The BEN Scholars Program is one of the grassroots outreach activities of the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) Biological Sciences Pathway. BEN Scholars are given support to promote the use of digital libraries and inquiry-based learning in higher education biological sciences lecture and laboratory courses, as well as research training programs.

BEN Scholars receive (1) training in leadership and effective use of digital libraries, (2) resources to use in their own classrooms and to share with colleagues through presentations, workshops, and one-on-one mentoring, (3) integration into the BEN Scholars Network, (4) recognition from BEN collaborators, and (5) travel support, as well as a small stipend.

BEN Scholars are leaders in biological sciences teaching and learning, with a passion for improving undergraduate education. BEN Scholars conduct outreach activities for biological sciences faculty on their campuses, throughout their region, and nationally through professional societies.

RECENT BEN SCHOLARS

Use the links below to see biographical sketches of BEN scholars and mentors:

Bios for 2008 BEN Scholars

Bios for BEN Mentors

Bios for 2006 BEN Scholars

APPLICATION FORMS

Download application guidelines and the 2008 Ben Scholars Application Form below:

    Download form in Microsoft Word format.
or
    Download form in Adobe Acrobat [PDF] format.

Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2008 BEN Scholars Program.  We will be announcing an application date for the 2009 BEN Scholars Program by the end of December 2008.

FORMATIVE EVALUATION REPORTS

The BEN Scholars program is evaluated via surveys, assignments, and products produced by the Scholars. Formative evaluation in Years 1-3 focuses on the development of the BEN Scholars Institute and Scholar activities. Brief evaluation reports are provided below.

2006-2007 BEN Scholars Program Formative Evaluation Report

2008-2009 BEN Scholars Program Formative Evaluation Report