The Four Friends Fellowship is awarded annually to a group of two or more Carleton students proposing the most compelling and unique shared experience. The experience should form lasting friendships, enrich the participants’ personal development, demonstrate the spirit of Carleton and enrich the greater campus community.
The Fellowship was established in 2012 by a gift to Carleton from John Youngblood ’81, Peter Ross ’80, Danal Abrams ’80 and Jeff Appelquist ’80 (collectively, “Four Friends”) in thanks for all the experiences they have had together since meeting at Carleton in the late 1970s. In establishing the fellowship, The Four Friends sought to express their fondness for Carleton College and appreciation for the abiding connections they formed during college and have continued to grow throughout their lifetimes.
Want to meet the Four Friends and learn more about the Fellowship in their own words? Here is a video describing their goals for the Fellowship.
Eligibility
The Four Friends Fellowship is intended for any group of two or more First-Year, Sophomore, or Juniors who are currently enrolled at Carleton. The approved experience may take place at any time — including academic breaks — however, it must occur prior to graduation. The experience may take place either on or off campus and must be shared in some way with the campus community upon completion.
- Full time Carleton students studying any discipline or combination of disciplines are eligible.
- All applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
- Seniors are ineligible to apply, even if applying with younger students.
- Student organizations or established groups on campus are ineligible to apply or to use fellowship funding to assist with a project or experience taking place.
- Projects that include travel outside of the continental United States will not be considered.
- Projects relating to Comps or aligning with areas of academic study and research are not eligible.
- Recipients are responsible for purchasing their own food during the duration of the trip or project. The Fellowship does not provide funding for food.
Funding
The 2026 Fellowship will award up to $5,000 to one group of students. Funds from another fellowship or grant award may be combined with funds from the Four Friends Fellowship to maximize reach and impact.
Selection Criteria
The criteria for this Fellowship is intentionally vague. Students are encouraged to think “outside the box,” be creative, imaginative, have fun, work collaboratively and perhaps do something no one has done before. Consider the true meaning of collaboration and explore unique opportunities “beyond your typical means” when developing a proposal. Develop a shared experience that will form life-long memories and camaraderie by doing or creating something remarkable that will be of value when shared with others. Carls are intelligent, clever, creative, collaborative, caring and naturally curious. Now’s your chance to prove it.
The successful proposal for the Fellowship will be based — in part — on the following criteria:
- Originality of the idea including its spirit of innovation or ability to honor diverse forms of knowledge;
- Viability of the plan;
- Accuracy and thoroughness of the budget;
- Collaboration between students and with those engaged in the project itself;
- Reciprocal component, a give-back to the greater campus community, meant to develop deep connections among Carleton students; and
- Quality of the proposal overall.
Application Process
Deadline Extended to 7pm Friday, March 13!
The Student Activities Office will correspond with ONE group member, so each group should appoint a contact person. That person will be responsible for gathering and submitting all elements of the proposal and meeting with the selection committee, if applicable. Your group contact person should submit the application form below. Questions? Contact Cathy Osterman, Coordinator of Student Activities.
Project Tips
- The group can consist of two to four people.
- The project does NOT have to be travel-related. Projects that sound like vacations are not likely to be chosen.
- The cost of food during the trip or project is not covered by the Fellowship.
- The project should be safe or address how safety concerns will be mitigated within the proposal.
- The project goals should be realistic and achievable. If completion of the project or experience sounds too difficult or unreasonable within the proposed timeline, the project will not be chosen.
- It is okay if your project costs more than the fellowship amount. Just address how the additional costs will be paid for. Do not short your estimates to make it appear that it costs less.
- Make your give-back to Carleton strong, unique, and something tangible. A paper or a PowerPoint of photos are not likely options to help a proposal be chosen.
Budget Tips
- Create a thorough and realistic budget. Depending on the project, categories may include travel, lodging, admission fees, gear, and supplies.
- Anticipate out-of-pocket expenses for meals, snacks, and side adventures unrelated to the purpose of the project.
Past Recipients
- Yifei Ren ’26, Katrina Ostrom ’26, and Ryder Koll-Bravmann ’26, traveled to Ireland to study local sheep farming. They participated in wool spinning workshops and interviewed craftsmen and sheep farmers. Their giveback to the college was an exhibit combining photography, wool samples, a knit sweater, and a film interviewing locals.
- Katrin Birk ’25, Grace Malooly ’25, Sophie Quinn ’25 and Selma Vangstein ’25, traveled to Iceland to explore an ecosystem uniquely impacted by climate change. The participants spent 10 days traveling Iceland’s Ring Road by RV taking time to witness melting glaciers, active volcanoes, spreading invasive species, and active reforestation efforts, while also interacting with local cultures. Their giveback to the college was a photography exhibit on display in the Library.
- Ben Lowry ’21, biology major Maya Hilty ’21, sociology/anthropology major Katie Babbit ’21, and psychology major Amida McNulty ’21 headed to Yellowstone National Park to learn more about wolves and their impact on the ecosystem. Their giveback to the college was the creation of a children’s book which was distributed to the Northfield Public Schools.
- Erik Lagerquist ’19, Carolyn Ward ’19, Chris Lee ’19, and Emma Dempsey ’19 spent a week in the Twin Cities exploring many of the cultural and historical attractions that sometimes go unnoticed. Their giveback to the college was an online guide called, “A Carl’s Guide to the Twin Cities,” an interactive map showing opportunities available to the Carleton community.
- Jonathan Kagan-Kans ’14 and Marcus Porter Rider ’14 became SCUBA certified in the Bahamas and swam with reef sharks. Their goal was to better understand and appreciate these near-endangered animals with a dangerous reputation. Their giveback to the college was a documentary that helped raise awareness of the shark fin trade.