First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship

The opportunity to study abroad is no longer a luxury in the 21st century. Learning about the world first hand is a crucial component for success in our globalized world. Research shows that first generation college students in particular benefit from experiencing life in another culture. Too many first generation/low income students, however, are not able to enjoy this special experience. Sure, they can get a scholarship or qualify to take a semester abroad within the parameters of their financial aid packages. But they often do not have enough money for the extras that will transform the desire to study abroad into a reality.

Knowledge Without Borders™ has stepped up to address this challenge. We have learned in our conversations with both first generation/low income students themselves and college administrators that what students need is money to fill the gap between what financial aid can provide and what a student actually needs to study abroad. We have teamed up with Ithaca College in New York to establish a Knowledge Without Borders™ First Generation Student Study Abroad Scholarship.

The Ithaca College Scholarship is the second scholarship established by Knowledge Without Borders™ to meet this important need. Our three-year-old Knowledge Without Borders™ Nourish to Flourish Scholarship at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, has helped first generation/low income students investigate solutions to international development issues, such as health care and education, by collaborating with local populations in Arequipa, Peru.

We have found that too many first generation/low income students feel a study abroad experience is simply beyond their reach. Even if they manage to secure a scholarship for a study abroad program or matriculation to a foreign institution, first generation students find it nearly impossible to finance visa expenses, airline tickets, or spending money. This is unfortunate since research shows they benefit enormously from the opportunity to study abroad.

The Knowledge Without Borders™ Scholarship will fill these gaps for first generation/low income students at Ithaca College. Hopefully, students who receive these scholarships will no longer experience the stress of not having enough money to go out with friends or take day or weekend trips — the little extras that makes study abroad so memorable.

The initial first generation/low income student study abroad scholarships will be awarded during the 2015-2016 academic year.