Foothill Global Experiential Learning Summer Scholarship

Description
The Foothill Global Experiential Learning (GEL) Office is offering scholarships in the range of $300-$2,000 in the form of a program fee reduction (no direct payment to the student) for students accepted into one of the Summer 2026 GEL Programs (please visit https://foothill.edu/global/ for information on programming and how to apply). The purpose of this funding is to support students who have been traditionally underrepresented in study abroad, and to support the diversification of our GEL programs into the future. Given the limited funding available for these scholarships, we do ask that only students requiring some additional financial support to attend their program apply for this scholarship.

Eligibility
All students who have been admitted into a Summer 2026 GEL program, and who identify financial need, are eligible to apply. To receive the award, applicants must have completed their application for their selected GEL program by the scholarship application deadline. Scholarship awards will be contingent upon acceptance into the program.

Expectations
After returning home from the study abroad experience, awardees of this scholarship will be asked to submit a photo and an open letter to prospective students, and will be invited to share their experiences abroad with the broader campus community and prospective students through one or more (if available and willing) virtual and/or on campus presentations (e.g. to ASFC, the GEL Advisory Group, the Research & Service Leadership Symposium, outreach events, etc.).

Application dates & deadlines
Deadline: April 10, 2026. Applicants will be notified of award status by April 20, 2026.

Selection process
Applications will be reviewed by a Foothill GEL Scholarship Committee, who will determine the recipients and their award amount within the range stated above. All applicants will be notified of results via email at the conclusion of the process.

Supplemental Essays
In addition to the “My Story” essay required for all scholarship applications in AcademicWorks, applicants for this award must submit two supplemental essays:
1. Please submit a supplemental essay of 200-400 words about how your participation in your selected global experiential learning program will impact your educational, professional and/or personal journey.

2. Please tell us how much of a scholarship you are requesting (any amount between $300-$2,000), and why you consider yourself deserving of this scholarship (keeping in mind there are many students requesting funding). This scholarship is meant for students who may be feeling that study abroad is out of reach for them. Therefore, a strong answer will clearly address any obstacles you have experienced in your educational journey such as being a first-generation student, financial struggles and/or any other lived experiences that result in educational barriers. Additionally, please share with us any other funding you have already received in support of this Summer 2026 GEL program.