Study Away Diversity Initiative Scholarship

Data show that first generation students and students of color are far less likely to study away than their white and middle class counterparts, often because they do not have the funds or encouragement to do so. Yet recent research about the value of study away for these students proves that it has a substantial positive effect on their academic performance and satisfaction, improving retention, time to graduation, and GPA. The semester study away experience of one of us serves as evidence of this. Jim received a scholarship to attend a state university in upstate New York, but felt isolated as a Puerto Rican, first generation student at a predominantly white institution. He was very close to dropping out when he was told about a semester in London program. This experience was transformative academically and personally, and Jim credits this opportunity as an important factor in helping him graduate, go on to earn a doctorate, and have a long career as a professor in higher education. Carolyn has spent the past decade working in the field of education abroad and has seen first-hand the powerful effect that a study away experience can have on students. Through this scholarship we hope to foster increased diversity among those Winona State University students who are able to study away.

Scholarship contact is Carolyn O’Grady.