Instructions for Reference Writers

Thank you for agreeing to write a letter of reference for a Wellman Hill grant applicant. The grants are made possible by a generous gift from Elizabeth Hill (B.A., M.A. 1997) to honor her grandfather, Wellman Hill. They are intended to encourage Political Science majors to accept public service summer internships that financial limitations and other circumstances might otherwise force them to decline. Detailed information about the grants competition is available on the Department of Political Science website.

Selection of grant recipients will be based largely on two criteria: (1) the extent to which the internships on the applicants’ lists meets the program’s public service goals and (2) the extent to which applicants’ interests, goals and qualifications match their proposals to serve the public through a summer internship. Apart from providing some of the standard items of an evaluation (i.e. a student’s academic and personal strengths and weaknesses), it would be helpful to know your impression of the student’s plans and goals. In your estimation, has the student given time and thought to finding a public service internship? Does he or she seem committed to or interested in public service? Do you think the student would make a good ambassador for the program, the department and Case Western Reserve University? Please also include anything else you think might help the committee evaluate the candidate.

Once again, we appreciate your help with this exciting program. Please direct questions to Professor Matt Lacombe. Letters should be sent by February 3, 2025 via email to:

Professor Matt Lacombe
Department of Political Science
Case Western Reserve University
Mather House 219
Cleveland, Ohio. 44106. USA
matthew.lacombe@case.edu