Global Scholars Fund
Connecticut College has announced the creation of a new fund that will expand access for students to study and intern abroad, as part of the Otto and Fran Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement.
The Global Scholars Fund, sponsored by The Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts (CISLA), will provide $25,000 worth of micro-grants each year for students who need extra support paying for study away and experiential learning overseas. The number of recipients is expected to change each semester depending on the number of applicants.
“We’re acutely aware of the financial barriers that can deter students from pursuing meaningful opportunities in international settings,” said Amy Dooling, associate dean of global initiatives. “This new fund recognizes the need for greater assistance with some of the additional costs—airplane tickets and visa fees, for instance—that can make all the difference between a student being able to participate or not.”
Dooling said she believes more students will be encouraged to integrate international experiences into their time at Conn because of several new avenues of support, including bolstered advising to assist students with early financial planning, and with the submission of competitive applications for external grants and scholarships for education abroad programs.
Students can apply for Global Scholars grants in one of three categories. The first is a $500 award to help cover the loss of income from student employment or work study during a study away semester. The second provides travel grants up to $1000 that are put toward round trip international airfare and visas. And the third category offers up to $1000 to supplement the College’s summer internship grants, and can also be used toward international airfare and visas.
“An international component to the liberal arts education Conn students receive is one of the College’s priorities,” said Marc Forster, Plant Professor of History and director of CISLA. “This fund will help students with financial need participate fully in the wide range of opportunities the College offers, and it reflects the missions of both CISLA and the Walter Commons by advancing equity and helping students to become globally engaged.”
A committee including Forster, Dooling, Dean of Institutional Equity and Inclusion John McKnight and representatives from the offices of Study Away and Career and Professional Development will work with the Office of Financial Aid to award the grants.
The Global Scholars Fund is made possible by the many generous donors who have contributed to the CISLA endowment. The first awards will be announced later this semester.
