The Women’s Sports Foundation
Darlene Kluka Research Endowment
Program Overview
The Women's Sports Foundation relies on research data to dispel myths and educate the public about the benefits of sports participation, active lifestyles for girls and women, and the role of women in sport leadership. The Foundation produces its own research studies, collaborates with others on relevant studies, and acts as a clearinghouse for data and facts on women’s sports topics and issues. To that extent, the research community is a vital partner in the Foundation’s work. A research award with an accompanying monetary stipend will showcase the importance of this discipline and pay tribute to leaders in the research arena. Additionally, a presentation by the recipient at each Summit will provide an important forum for the Foundation’s mission relating to education.
Background:
The award is named in honor of Dr. Darlene A. Kluka, an Associate Professor at Grambling State University, who has served the Women's Sports Foundation for many years as a member of the Research and Academic Council of the National Advisory Board and as a researcher who has participated in numerous Foundation projects. Widely respected by colleagues in the field of sports vision for her diligent commitment to sound research and research project design, Dr. Kluka is a former President of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sport and holder of significant leadership positions in the International Academy of Sports Vision, the International Council for Sport Science and Physical Education, the International Congress of Health Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance. She has been the editor of numerous academic journals and author of books and articles on sports vision and women in sport. Dr. Kluka has also been the recipient of numerous awards for her professional service and distinguished scholarly work, including the Women's Sports Foundation President's Award. The establishment of this research award and stipend reflects the Foundation's respect for her leadership, vision and desire to create a legacy that acknowledges the outstanding performance of researchers and encourages their continued commitment to conduct studies involving women’s sports and fitness activities.
Eligible Candidates:
Researchers who possess the following:
Terminal degree (Ed. D., M. D., Ph.D.)
Published in national and/or international refereed journals
Demonstrated exemplary record of national and/or international scholarly research on women/girls in sport/activity conducted in an experimental or quasi experimental environment with quantitative data
Available to attend the Foundation’s Annual Summit (in 2001 the event is May 3-6 in Scottsdale, AR)
Note: Preference given to female researchers and those who have women on their research team
Expectation of Recipient:
In addition to attendance at the Foundation’s Summit, the recipient is expected to make a half hour presentation during the Summit on a topic that is relevant to women, sport, and physical activity, based on research findings. The presentation should be applied in nature and provide meaning to those in attendance.
Application and Judging Process:
To apply for the award, a nominee or the researcher must submit a curricular vita and three selected
refereed published articles. Applications will be accepted up to a deadline three months prior to the
Summit. The award will be publicized in appropriate forums. The judging committee shall consist of
Dr. Kluka, a former or current Trustee, the current Trustee representing the Research and Academic
Council, and one member of the research community at large. Dr. Kluka will play a role in selecting
the committee and the Foundation will look to her leadership and expertise in promoting the award in
appropriate publications.
Amount of Grant:
The award will be accompanied by a stipend of $1,000. The recipient shall also receive expense
reimbursement for costs (roundtrip advanced purchase airfare, hotel, registration) to attend the
Summit and be attending the awards presentation. The number of recipients shall depend upon
interest and gains in any given Summit year and will not exceed one recipient/$1000 per Summit until
the endowed principal reaches the minimum of $50,000.
Gift Commitment:
Dr. Kluka has pledged an outright gift of $10,000 as an initial gift to the endowment with additional
gifts to the fund coming in the form of a bequest and/or an appeal to friends of Dr. Kluka to build the
fund via gifts or bequest pledges. The Foundation will utilize its best efforts to secure funds to build
an endowed principal in the amount of $50,000.
For further information contact:
Anna DeAcetis- Individual Giving Manager
adeacetis@womenssportsfoundation.org
[t] 516.542.4700 ext.131 * [f] 516.542.4716
Women’s Sports Foundation
Eisenhower Park * East Meadow, NY 11554
http://www.WomensSportsFoundation.org * AOL Keyword: WSF