CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is among the top producers of a scholarship program that enables students from lower income backgrounds to study or intern abroad. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs this week recognized Illinois for the 242 students who have received awards from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program over the past 20 years.
Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.
“The University of Illinois is brimming with bright young minds who are eager to explore and learn from the rest of the world through studying abroad, so we work to remove any financial barriers that may stand in their way,” said David Schug, the director of the National and International Scholarships Program. “Together with the support of the Office of Student Financial Aid and the team of campus study abroad offices, we look forward to assisting hundreds more students in venturing overseas with the support of Gilman Scholarships.”
The State Department announced its lists of top-producing institutions in celebration of the 20-year anniversary of the Gilman program. The program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate.
The top 20 institutions in four categories were honored: small, medium and large institutions, and associate degree-awarding institutions.
“There are so many incredible resources available on campus to help prepare your application,” said Illinois senior Lynne Pavletic, who was recently offered a Gilman Scholarship. “Gilman also provides detailed descriptions of what you need to showcase in your written responses and provides you with tips and reminders throughout the application process. There are so many people here to help you succeed.”
Applications for study abroad in summer 2022, fall 2022 and/or spring 2023 are due March 1.
Editor’s note: For more information, contact David Schug, National and International Scholarships Program director, 217-333-4710; topscholars@illinois.edu
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