June 9 , 2006
Grant to support study abroad for Clark students
Worcester, Mass. - Clark University's Office of Study Abroad/Study Away Programs has been awarded a $20,000, three-year grant from the IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) Foundation. Scholarships will be awarded to students in the Academic Advancement program at Clark who have applied to semester or yearlong Clark study abroad programs. The funds will assist with air travel costs, visa fees, and personal expenses.
"The experiences that these students will bring back will make a positive difference in their lives, campus life and life in their home community, and will contribute to better understanding between cultures," says Clark study abroad programs director Adriane van Gils, who secured the grant.
The Academic Advancement Office designs and implements programs such as the Academic Clark Excellence (ACE) Summer Institute, study groups and peer mentoring to promote the success of students of African-American, Asian-American, Latin-American and Native-American descent (ALANA) and first-generation college students at Clark.
Director of Academic Advancement Wesaline Gadson, will assist in identification of students eligible for the IFSA funding, and will serve on the selection committee.
The awards will be announced during Clark Convocation in late August. Students who win the scholarship will be asked to write and present a short paper about their study abroad experience, to other members of the Academic Advancement program at a suitable event.
The IFSA Foundation was established in the state of Indiana in 2004, and is a federally tax exempt institution under Section 501 (c) 3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The IFSA Foundation's mission focuses exclusively on the advancement of study abroad as a major component of higher education in the United States.