Worcester State University has received a $25,000 grant from Santander Bank to provide scholarships for study abroad students. Awards of $500 to $1,000 will go to approximately 35 students, 75% of whom are low-income Pell recipients. This dramatically expands the number of students who will be able to access study abroad experiences this year.
“For some students, this funding makes or breaks their ability to participate in a study abroad program,” said Director of International Programs Katey Palumbo, “so I’m very happy to receive these funds.”
“Santander’s partnership with Worcester State University is a critical piece of our overall Global commitment to Education, Entrepreneurship and Employability,” said Christina DeLay, Santander US Head of Corporate Social Responsibility. “We are proud to help impact the lives of these students in collaboration with Worcester State, and look forward to their future success.”
Expanding study abroad opportunities and accessibility aligns with the university’s strategic plan to offer high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that develop the intellectual and personal potential of every student, and prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators, and scholars.
“As the world continues to become more intertwined, the ability for universities to shape graduates who have engaged in global experience and developed a sense of intercultural awareness and sensitivity is critical,” said Vice President of University Advancement Thomas McNamara. “Study abroad experiences inform students’ intellectual and intercultural development and results in them being more mature and employable. Although the value of study abroad is immeasurable, the costs of these programs can be prohibitive for some students. This generous grant from Santander will allow more of our students to access these opportunities.”
Worcester State students have the opportunity to participate in short-term programs, typically one to three weeks in length, led by Worcester State faculty for a summer, semester, or academic year. The programs and travel arrangements are provided by partner institutions or third-party providers. Short-term programs cost, on average, $3,000. Some of the longer programs cost the same as a semester or year at Worcester State, but with the additional expense of airfare. And some programs cost more. These scholarships will help defray some of those costs.
“This grant coincides with other efforts to diversify student participation and make students successful,” said Palumbo. The university hopes that these scholarships will increase the number of students from socio-economically underrepresented majors and demographic backgrounds participating in study abroad experiences and increase the number of professional and STEM related study abroad offerings.
Photo: Psychology students in England for the faculty-led program Applied Cognition in Global Contexts
Beyond the Classroom
New NEH grant will open civic engagement internships throughout Worcester
Worcester State undergraduates studying humanities will have new opportunities to learn, build skills, and participate in civic engagement internships at cultural, social, and civic organizations . . .