APPLY TO LUMOS
From Submission to Selection
Ready to Apply?
You’re ready to bring your Lumos vision to life — now it’s time to complete your application and understand what comes next.
If you haven’t already, you should review the Getting Started page first. It includes essential planning tools, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step timeline to help you to select a sponsoring organization and design a strong, well-prepared project. Once you’ve followed that preparation path, use this page to finalize your materials, submit your application, and learn what to expect after you hit “Apply.”
Lumos Award Timeline
What You’ll Need to Submit
Complete the online application below. Your Lumos application includes several key components that tell your story, your goals and your project’s potential. Here’s what you’ll need to submit:
Information about you and your academic history.
Outline your proposed project, including your sponsoring organization, project location, travel dates, level of proficiency in language spoken in your proposed location, funding request, including a detailed budget; and the purpose and impact of your work. You’ll also explain how your background has prepared you and how the project will benefit the host community.
Upload project budget in the application
Project Budget ExampleRespond to the “About Me” Essay in the application (750 words or less ) covering:
- Personal connections or experiences (achievements, educational or volunteer) that shape your interest in this project
- Three personal strengths how they’ll support your project
- Your long-term vocational goals and how this project aligns with them
Choose one of six prompts to respond to on the application (750 words or less)
Upload your current resume in the application
- Belmont Transcript: Email an unofficial or official Belmont transcript to: lumos@belmont.edu
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Have recommenders email their letters of recommendation to: lumos@belmont.edu
Letters should speak to your character, motivation, potential, community involvement and readiness to complete your proposed project.
Selection Process
The Lumos selection committee takes a holistic approach to choosing fellows. Here’s a transparent look at how decisions are made and when you’ll hear back.
How Decisions Are Made
Who Reviews Applications
Applications are reviewed by the Lumos Committee, a group of Belmont faculty, staff and Lumos Foundation members. Each member brings unique insight into evaluating applicants from multiple perspectives.
What Criteria Are Used
The committee looks for:
- Project soundness and feasibility
- Student safety
- Impact on the student’s personal and academic growth
- Alignment with the student’s passions and long-term goals
- Cultural awareness and readiness
- Fit between the project and the student’s skills
AI Use
The use of AI-generated content (e.g., ChatGPT, etc.) in your proposal or application is strongly discouraged.
A Lumos project is your personal pitch for support and funding to spend a significant amount of time doing something that matters deeply to you. Because this experience is inherently personal, your application is the ultimate opportunity to present your authentic self to the selection committee. We want to hear YOUR thoughts, your voice, and your vision—not those of an AI.
Decision Timeline
- Initial Review: After submission, all applications are reviewed. Applicants will be notified whether they advance to the next round.
- Final Interview: Selected applicants will participate in a 20–30 minute interview with the committee to clarify project details and demonstrate their commitment.
- Award Notification: Final decisions are shared shortly after interviews. Selected students will receive an official award amount and an acceptance package to complete before funds are disbursed.
Award Requirements
As a Lumos Traveler, you’re part of a broader mission—and with that comes a commitment to share your journey, uphold your project goals and represent the Lumos program with integrity.
Travelers are required to:
- Begin their Lumos Travel Award within one year of being awarded.
- Maintain a project blog on the Lumos website, with at least two posts per month including photos and reflections.
- Deliver a WellCore presentation on campus after returning, sharing insights and impact from your experience.
- Submit a final Traveler Reflection according to guidelines provided, which may be published online, in Lumos publications, or featured on social media. This must be posted no later than 30 days after your on-campus presentation.
- Provide a one-page evaluation of your sponsoring organization to help future fellows and maintain partner accountability. This must be submitted no later than 30 days after your on-campus presentation.
These requirements are designed to support reflection, accountability and connection with the wider Lumos community.
Receiving Your Lumos Funding
Once selected, you’ll receive a Lumos award to help support your approved project. Funding is typically disbursed in stages and tied to planning and reporting milestones. This section outlines what to expect—starting with your acceptance package, how and when funds are distributed, and under what circumstances awards may be adjusted or withdrawn.
Before funding can be disbursed, selected students must complete the Lumos Acceptance Package. This includes essential forms and waivers covering travel logistics, safety, photo release, and a general indemnification and liability release.
Once your acceptance documents are submitted and processed, you will receive 80% of your total award amount. Please allow approximately one month from the time of submission to receive your first payment. Travelers have full discretion to use the funds for approved travel-related expenses.
The remaining 20% is distributed upon satisfactory completion of all final requirements, including maintaining the blogging commitment, completing your WellCore presentation, final traveler reflection post and evaluation of your sponsoring organization.
Any significant changes to the length, scope, or nature of your approved project may result in a reduction or full revocation of your Lumos award. All proposed changes must be submitted to the Lumos Committee in advance for review and approval.
Lumos reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withdraw all or part of the award if the project poses a safety risk or if program expectations are not met. While we understand blogging may be slightly delayed due to travel logistics, transit, or sickness, failure to maintain the agreed blogging schedule is considered a breach of the Lumos Travel Award terms and Conditions. This is viewed as a traveler not completing their project and could result in the forfeiture of the final 20% of your budget payment.
The final traveler reflection post and sponsoring organization report must be completed within 30 days after your on-campus presentation. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the forfeiture of all remaining budget funds unless prior arrangements are made in writing with a Lumos representative.
Full repayment of the award may be required if any of the following occur:
- Failure to use the funds as outlined in the award letter
- Abandonment of the approved travel or project
- Dismissal from, or probation at, your academic institution for academic or disciplinary reasons
- Violation of laws in the host country or the United States
- Substance abuse during the project period
- Arrest or deportation
These conditions are in place to protect students, uphold program integrity, and ensure that Lumos funds are used responsibly.