Created in memory of our friend and former colleague, the Justin Chlebus scholarship program exists to support exceptional young people in pursuing arts or sciences in which they are particularly talented, in countries other than their own.

The idea is that while advancing in areas in which they already excel -- with the added stimulation of a foreign environment -- sponsored young people will also learn a new language, thereby enhancing their ability to contribute to the world over the course of their lifetimes.

In this first year of the fund's operation, the target country is Argentina.

Applications are invited from men and women between the ages of 18 and 26 who:

(1) have special skills in the arts (music, dance, literature, etc.), sciences or other field

(2) are passionate about learning a new language

Although applications are encouraged from children of ProZ.com members (and members who meet the criteria), there is no requirement that applicants be affiliated with ProZ.com. Interest or experience in translation is not required.

In the application, interested parties are asked to discuss (and if applicable, demonstrate) their unique art or skill and explain, in essay format, what they hope to bring to the world during their lifetimes by way of their chosen art or skill.

In the first round of screening, a committee consisting of ProZ.com members, site staff members and representatives from Justin's family will select finalists. The winner will be selected from among the finalists by a general vote among ProZ.com members.

The winning applicant will be required to report back to the community on his or her progress and experiences (linguistic, cultural and artistic).

Applications for the first year of the scholarship must be submitted by November 15, 2009. The period of travel/study will begin in 2010.

Justin Chlebus began working at ProZ.com in March of 2005 and served as a developer and systems administrator for two and a half years. Dedicating himself to the service of the ProZ.com community, he made monumental contributions to the site and company, and also helped thousands of people around the world to get the most from it. He died on September 2, 2007, having just celebrated his 22nd birthday.

Justin's extraordinary warmth and enthusiasm could be felt by anyone who came into contact with him. He was brilliant, and was always ready to drop everything to help someone out. Those of us who worked with him every day are blessed to have known such a bright and good spirit. He will be sorely missed.

View Justin's forum thread on ProZ.com

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