Overview:
This scholarship provides awards of up to $5,000 for U.S. undergraduate students who are eligible for or currently receiving Federal Pell Grant funding to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Award amounts vary depending on the length of study and student need. The average award is approximately $4,000.
Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen
- Undergraduate at the time of the proposed program
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of the application or proposed program
- Study abroad program is eligible to earn credit at Penn State (no minimum program length requirement!)
Application Materials:
- A completed application
- Statement of (Program) Purpose (7,000 characters; guidance here)
- Community Impact Essay (6,000 characters; guidance here)
- Critical Need Language Award Essay (optional) for students who plan on studying a critical need language during their program
- Identification of study abroad and financial aid advisors
- Transcript(s)
Application Procedure:
Applications must be submitted directly using the online application system. However, applicants are encouraged to first work with the Study Abroad office to identify an appropriate program and then work with our office to prepare a competitive application.
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Fall Application Deadline - October 10, 2024
- For applicants whose in-person abroad programs or internships start between December 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025. This may include spring semester 2025, Maymester 2025, summer semester 2025, fall semester 2025, and academic year 2025-2026.
- Application opens mid-August. Stay tuned for details!
- All applicants will be notified of their status via email in December 2024.
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Spring Application Deadline - March 6, 2025
- For applicants whose in-person abroad programs or internships are in summer 2025, fall 2025 or academic year 2025-2026.
- Applicants seeking funding for the summer can apply in both application cycles and have two chances at receiving funding.