The Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute provides financial assistance to human rights students seeking to complete their human rights capstone each summer. We believe in the importance of experiential learning – and in equity of access to experiential learning opportunities. In an effort to better serve our students, HRI will provide limited financial assistance to offset the cost of paying the summer course fees associated with enrollment in HRTS 4291 each summer.
Five awards in the amount of $2,277 each will be made available for the summer of 2026.
2026 Summer Capstone Scholarship
Megan Katnik, Distressed Children and Infants International (DCI)
Open Society Foundations Award
Megan Katnik is a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in Human Rights and Journalism. Her academic interests focus on human rights advocacy, investigative reporting, and the impact of conflict on marginalized communities. She is currently completing an internship with DCI, where she contributes to community outreach, research strategies, and advocacy initiatives.
Autumn Loewen, Latham Centers (Brewster, MA)
Open Society Foundations Award
Autumn Loewen is a sophomore double majoring in Human Rights and American Sign Language. Their academic interests focus on immigrants’ rights, genocide prevention, and international human rights justice. They are completing an internship with Latham Centers, an organization that specializes in the care of young people and adults with complex disabilities.
Julia Marin, Thomas Merton Family Center
Open Society Foundations Award
Julia Marin is a senior majoring in Human Rights and Political Science. Her academic interests focus on immigration law, women’s rights advocacy, policy development, and advancing social equity. She is currently completing an internship with the Thomas Merton Family Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving low-income and marginalized communities through advocacy, education, and direct support services.
Former Recipients
2025
- Carolyn Crews
Open Society Foundations Award - Magnolia Hart
Open Society Foundations Award - Lily Young
Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute Scholarship
2024
- Katelyn Czajkowski
Desegregate CT - Michelle Eweka
Gawryl & MacAllister Attorneys at Law - Rori McCarthy
HartBeat Ensemble Youth Play Institute - Ashley Morgan
Roca, Inc. - Nayonika Singh
HartBeat Ensemble
2023
- Amy Tela
IRIS-Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services - Angela Ramirez
The ENDependence Center of Northern Virginia - Julia Stout
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Eligibility & Requirements
Each scholarship will be awarded to an academically outstanding undergraduate student who is enrolled full time at UConn. All applicants must:
- Be majoring or minoring in human rights
- Have been offered an internship position at the time of application
Students who are awarded financial assistance must enroll in HRTS 4291 during the summer term and use the funds to complete their human rights capstone.
Assistance will be awarded on a first-come, first served basis.
How to Apply
Apply via Microsoft Forms.
The application requires the following materials:
- Internship Verification: Please upload evidence of your internship acceptance. This can be a PDF copy of a formal offer letter or a PDF copy of an email from the agency confirming that you have been invited to participate in this opportunity.
- Learning Work Plan: Please upload your completed Learning Work Plan.
- Unofficial Transcript: Save an unofficial copy of your University of Connecticut transcript as a PDF.
- Resume: Please enclose a resume that includes current and previous employment, including military experience, part-time work, and summer or other temporary positions. Your resume should also list your involvement in extracurricular activities, such as organizations, clubs, sports, and campaigns, while attending UConn.
Please email humanrights@uconn.edu or call (860) 486-8739 with any questions.
The current application portal opened April 24, 2026. Applications continue to be accepted until all available funds are awarded.