Rotary Foundation Global Grants Scholarships
Purpose
The Rotary Foundation aims to promote international understanding and help improve quality of life through funding fellowships that fund education and service in countries outside of the U.S.
Programs Funded
The Foundation offers several different scholarships, however our local area Rotary Clubs, through which Claremont Colleges students usually apply, sponsor only the Global Grants Scholarships. The one-two year award may be used in any country where Rotary Clubs are located, and provides $30,000 for tuition, fees, travel, living expenses, and service project expenses. Study must be in a field related to the fellow's long-term academic and professional plans and must take place at an educational institution in a location near a Rotary Club, which acts as a local sponsor. Candidates must specify two or three different institutions at which they can pursue their desired studies. Most Global Grants Scholars do not complete a degree while abroad. Some stay for another year to complete a degree if they find other means of support, but completing a degree is not a necessary part of the program.
As part of their fellowship application, applicants must propose a service project in a country outside of the U.S. that has to do with one of the Rotary’s six areas of focus:peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, economic and community development. This project needs to be feasibly completed within 1 or 2 years and must be set up in a way to continue to benefit the community on a long-term basis.
Rotary Scholars are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of good will to the people of the host country through presentations at clubs, schools, civic organizations, and other forums. Upon return home, recipients are expected to discuss and share their experiences with the people of their home country, and especially with local Rotary groups.
Eligibility
Applicants must be citizens of countries with Rotary Clubs. Students apply during their senior year, or as alumni. There are no age limits for application. Children and grandchildren of Rotarians are not eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
Academic strengths are important, but the primary concern is selecting "ambassadors" who are outgoing and articulate, with a good understanding of U.S. history, current events, and culture, a capacity to adapt to other cultures and to flourish on their own in an unfamiliar place, and genuine interest in learning about the host country. Applicants planning to study in a language other than English must demonstrate proficiency sufficient for the purpose.
Application Process
Applications may be filed through the Claremont area Rotary Clubs or through your hometown Rotary. This year's application deadline is March 27th. In order for your application to be considered complete, you must do the following by 3/27:
- Email Jennifer Locke your completed application form (linked below); you do NOT need to attach proof of acceptance from a university at this time - it is enough to indicate the program to which you plan to apply
- Email Jennifer Locke a 1-page, single-spaced (12 pt font) Project Proposal in which you explain your proposed service project
- Email Jennifer Locke a budget (maximum 2 pages), using the form in the Powerpoint below
- Request an official transcript from the registrar and have it mailed to Jennifer Locke c/o of the CDO; please ask for your name to be written on the outside of the envelope containing your transcript
Please contact Jennifer Locke with any questions. Screening occurs at both the local and district levels. Applicants through the Claremont clubs must be on campus for interviews in the spring.
Advisor
Jennifer Locke
Rotary Website:
More information http://www.rotary.org/en/members/runningadistrict/futurevisionpilotprogram/pages/fv_global_grants.aspx
2013 Rotary Global Grants Powerpoint
2013 Rotary Global Grants Application [doc]