The Fund for Education Abroad Doubles Commitment to Increasing Access to Study Abroad with 51 Scholarships Totaling $225,000

WASHINGTON, DC, March 30, 2017 – The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) has increased access to international education by granting a record-breaking 51 scholarships totaling $225,000 to US students consistently underrepresented in study abroad. These figures represent a doubling of the number of scholarships and a $75,000 (50%) increase over funds granted last year.

The students come from a variety of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and represent higher education institutions across the country. Students will be studying across the globe, from a minimum of four weeks to a full academic year. FEA funds scholarships of up to $10,000 for study abroad.

With this year’s scholars, a total of 168 students, including minority, LGBTQI, first-generation, community college, and students studying in non-traditional destinations have benefited from over $700,000 in scholarships granted since FEA’s inception in 2010. This year, 90% of the students are of minority backgrounds, and a large majority of scholars (84%) are first-generation college students. Almost all (96%) awardees will study the host country language. Additionally, 46% of all the FEA scholars have a community college background.

“Investing in international education is investing in our nation’s future,” said Adam Cooper, Senior Vice President of the US division of STA Travel, which funds a dedicated scholarship for FEA. “Students who travel abroad have formative experiences that influence the course of their lives.” The STA Travel Start the Adventure scholarship provides for individual students and gives discretionary, capacity-building grants to international education departments to strategically fund another student.

“We are tremendously grateful for the continued and ever-increasing support of FEA donors. Their generosity has helped us augment our giving each year, making the life-enhancing dream of study abroad come true for more students,” said FEA Executive Director Jennifer Calvert. “FEA scholars and all students who study abroad grow to be some of our nation’s best public diplomats.”

The 2017 FEA scholarship winners were selected from a pool of nearly 1,500 applicants representing approximately 440 colleges and universities across the country. A team of 102 volunteer reviewers individually read and reviewed each application.

The 2017 Fund for Education Abroad Scholars include:

Mirza Ahmed (SUNY – New Paltz)
Germany, Academic Year 2017-18

Astra Armstrong (Norfolk State University)
South Africa, Summer 2017

Valerie Avellino (CUNY -Hunter College)
Latvia, Summer 2017

Leonard Ayala (University of Texas – Dallas)
Mexico, Summer 2017

Nannette Boakye (Columbia University)
Tanzania, Summer 2017
*STA Travel Start the Adventure Scholar

Valencia Briseus (University of South Florida)
Japan, Fall 2017
*Rainbow Scholar

Andrew Castellanos (University of Montana)
Russia, Summer 2017
*STA Travel Start the Adventure Scholar

Colter Christensen (Utah State University)
Japan, Academic Year 2017-18
Amy Co (Ohio University)
India (AIFS), Fall 2017

Sean Coffman (University of Washington, Bothell)
Jordan, Spring 2018

Sacharja Cunningham (Hamilton College)
Senegal(SIT) & Ghana (CIEE), Academic Year 2017-18

Robert Davis (Kalamazoo College)
Italy, Fall 2017

Emmylou de Meij (Lawrence University)
Russia, Fall 2017

Jacquelyn DeLauder (Columbus State University)
Mexico, Summer 2017

Ugochinyerem Krystal Ejesieme (University of Virginia)
France (CEA), Summer 2017
*Student Athlete Scholar

Matthew Falsetta (Temple University)
Spain, Spring 2018

Gabriela Fuentes (Georgetown University)
Ecuador, Summer 2017
*DC Area Scholar

Anthony Galura (University of California – Berkeley)
Singapore, Summer 2017
*Rainbow Scholar

Selaem Hadera (Emory University)
India (SIT), Fall 2017

Areli Hernandez (Santa Clara University)
Ecuador, Fall 2017

Diana Inguito (Pepperdine University)
Argentina, Fall 2017
*Jane Gluckmann & Carol Rausch Go Global Scholar

Kurtis Klein (San Diego State University)
Germany, Academic Year 2017-18

Vivien Le (California State University, Los Angeles)
Thailand (CIEE), Summer 2017

Tierra Lu (Middlebury College)
South Korea, Academic Year 2017-18
*BASAA Scholar

Colton Lynn (University of North Texas)
Spain, Summer 2017

Francis Miyata (Knox College)
Japan, Academic Year 2017-18

Yahaira Morales Castro (University of Texas – Austin)
Mexico, Summer 2017

Yuliena Mosquera (Florida International University)
Japan, Summer 2017

Kevin Ngo (Portland State University)
Japan (IE3 Global), Academic Year 2017-18
*PDX Abroad Scholar

Cindy Nguyen (California State University – Los Angeles)
Thailand (CIEE), Summer 2017

Dieu Thao Nguyen (University of Georgia)
Vietnam, Summer 2017
*Hiliary Echo Douglas Memorial Scholar

Ivan Olivas (Eastern Kentucky University)
Argentina (SOL Education Abroad), Summer 2017

Olivia Orosco (Willamette University)
Bolivia, Morocco and Vietnam (SIT), Fall 2017
*Student Athlete Scholar

Chance Overberg (Miami University)
Japan (CIEE and ISEP), Academic Year 2017-18

Timothy Paczynski (Gustavus Adolphus College)
Hungary, Academic Year 2017-18
*Minnesota Scholar

Kevin Pham (Vassar College)
Jordan, Summer 2017
*Rainbow Scholar

Ivan Pineda (University of South Florida)
China, Summer 2017

Tiffany Richards (Portland State University)
Japan, Fall 2017
*PDX Abroad Scholar

Christopher Robinson (Harvard University)
Chile (Sage Corps), Summer 2017

Paisley Sato (University of Puget Sound)
Mongolia, South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, India and Malaysia, Academic Year 2017-18

Immaniah Shlemah (Trident Technical College)
Ghana (CIEE), Fall 2017

Temperance Talley (California State University – Fresno)
Japan (University Studies Abroad Consortium), Academic Year 2017-18

Tan Vu (University of California – Berkeley)
Hong Kong, Academic Year 2017-18

Vanessa Watson (Fashion Institute of Technology)
Hong Kong, Spring 2018
*Rainbow Scholar

Lauren Workman (Hobart & William Smith Colleges)
Vietnam, Spring 2018

Zhaoyi Yan (CUNY-Hunter College)
South Korea, Summer 2017

Chi-Yen Yao (University of Maryland)
United Kingdom, Academic Year 2017-18
*DC Area Scholar

Rose Yeh (University of Texas – Austin)
Chile (IES Abroad), Summer 2017

Jae Yu (University of California – Santa Barbara)
Thailand, Academic Year 2017-18

Kazandra Zelaya (Claremont McKenna College)
Argentina (Sage Corps), Summer 2017

Bemnet Zewdie (Boston College)
Ghana (CIEE), Spring 2018
*BASAA Scholar

FEA offers general and dedicated scholarships. Dedicated scholarships include numerous regional scholarships, the Hiliary Echo Douglas Memorial scholarship, which is dedicated to those who wish to travel to Vietnam, the Jane Gluckmann & Carol Rausch Go Global scholarship, for students studying abroad in Mexico, Central America, South America, France, or Germany, and a Rainbow scholarship for students nationwide who self-identify as LGBTQI.

The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to increase opportunities for dedicated American students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. FEA aims to make the demographics of U.S. undergraduates studying abroad reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. population. FEA won the 2015 Diversity Abroad Excellence in Diversifying International Education Award and GoAbroad.com’s 2015 Innovation in Philanthropy Award.

About the Fund for Education Abroad

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to increase the opportunities for dedicated U.S. students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. FEA’s goals include assisting committed students in the acquisition of critical foreign language skills and cultivating U.S. students’ world awareness and appreciation of cultural differences through academic and experiential opportunities. Scholarships are awarded with a preference for under-represented students in study abroad programs, including minorities, first-generation college students, community college students and those choosing to study in non-traditional countries. FEA is a Guidestar Gold participant, and  won the 2015 Diversity Abroad Excellence in Diversifying International Education Award and GoAbroad.com’s 2015 Innovation in Philanthropy Award.  Follow FEA at www.fundforeducationabroad.org, and on Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr and on Twitter: @FEAScholarships.

Thanks to the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Sponsors of the 'Raising the Roof' Fundraiser Last Night!

UPDATE: The 1st Annual Greater DC Area Fund for Education Abroad fall fundraising event 

“Raise the Roof” for Study Abroad Scholarships raised $13,033!

Raise The Roof for Study Abroad Scholarships from 6:00-9:00pm (EST) on October 24th in Washington, DC with the Fund for Education Abroad

UPDATE: The 1st Annual Greater DC Area Fund for Education Abroad fall fundraising event 

“Raise the Roof” for Study Abroad Scholarships raised $13,033!

Are you in the Washington, DC area or will you be attending the upcoming IIE Generation Study Abroad Summit October 23-25?

If so, please consider attending the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) fundraising event "Raise The Roof for Study Abroad Scholarships" on October 24th on the rooftop at Roofers Union (2446 18th St. NW) on Monday, October 24th form 6:00-9:00pm EST.

There will be drinks, food, and fundraising for study abroad scholarships! All proceeds go to fund study abroad opportunities for underrepresented DC-area students.  If you are not able to attend the event but still wish to donate you can do so via the FEA website!

You can learn more about the Raise the Roof event and register here!

As attending the IIE Generation Study Abroad Summit was a late addition to my calendar I just registered yesterday for this FEA event and I'm very excited to attend.  Hope to see you there!

Disclosure:  I serve on the FEA Board and I am Chair of the Scholarship Committee

The Jane Gluckmann and Carol Rausch “Go Global” Scholarship

Melibee Global in partnership with the Fund for Education Abroad created The Jane Gluckmann and Carol Rausch “Go Global” Scholarship.

This scholarship was created in loving memory of two wonderful mothers, departed from this world much too early, who inspired their children to travel the globe and engage with other cultures, ultimately leading to our commitment to the field of international education.

The scholarship will be awarded to a student accepted to study abroad in Mexico, Central America, South America, France, or Germany, regions which held special significance to these two amazing women. The Fund for Education Abroad’s 2017-2018 application cycle will open on November 16th, 2016 and eligible students who complete FEA’s application will be considered for this scholarship. Interested students will be able to apply on the FEA’s website here:  http://fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/.

As this is a brand new scholarship there is a fundraising effort, we would be grateful to anyone who might wish to donate in honor of these two women or of #inspiringmoms everywhere. To donate, please visit the following page and select The Jane Gluckmann and Carol Rausch “Go Global” Scholarship from the drop-down box.

To read more about these inspirational women, please visit Melibee Global at http://melibeeglobal.com/the-jane-gluckmann-and-carol-rausch-go-global-scholarship/.

Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Scholarship Applications Open in November 2016!

Learn more about FEA Academic Year, Semester, or Summer Study Abroad Scholarship! http://fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/

2015-2016 FEA Scholarship Winners Announced

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) just announced their 2015-2016 scholarship winners.  Due to the generous support and donations received throughout the year from those committed to the value of study abroad, FEA was able to fund thirty six scholarships of up to $10,000 to undergraduates from across the United States to study abroad.

Notable highlights from the FEA press release include:

• The 2015-2016 scholarship winners were selected from a pool of almost 1650 applicants representing approximately 525 US colleges and universities. 
• A team of 110 reviewers individually read and reviewed each application.
• Of this year’s recipients, 72% are first-generation college students, 75% are of minority background, 53% attend minority-serving institutions or community colleges, 58% will study in non-traditional destinations, and 92% are studying the host country language.

If you would like to learn more about FEA and how you can support their efforts and help future students incorportate a study abroad experience into their higher education programs of study you can do so via the FEA website.


Disclaimer:  I am a member of the FEA Board of Directors and am proud of the work that they do so I am more than happy to promote the 2015-2016 scholarship winners.

Search Open for Executive Director, Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)

1920 N Street NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20036

800/225-4262

www.fundforeducationabroad.org

January 2014

Title: Executive Director, Fund for Education Abroad (FEA)
Job location: Washington, D.C.
Supervisor: Kate Simpson, President
Start date: February 2014

Description of the Position
The Executive Director, working closely with the Board of Directors and the Advisory Council, is responsible for achieving the ambitious goals set for the Fund for Education Abroad.

The Executive Director’s primary duties are to develop and pursue an effective strategy for FEA that follows its mission and grows the Fund through development activities and continual outreach. The Director will implement donor cultivation and fundraising strategies, oversee fundraising events and activities, administer and organize Board activities (including Board meetings), follow through on Board and Council approved recommendations, promote FEA’s mission and presence externally, recruit and direct volunteers, oversee the admissions process, set policy and procedures internally, monitor and manage FEA’s annual budget, ensure proper tax-filing annually, identify and recruit needed resources, investigate new revenue
streams, and document progress.

Description of the Organization
Based in Washington DC, the Fund for Education Abroad is a private 501(c)(3) founded in 2010. The FEA mission is to increase the opportunities for dedicated U.S. students to participate in high-quality, rigorous education abroad programs by reducing financial restrictions through the provision of grants and scholarships. Our goals are to assist committed students in the acquisition of critical foreign language skills, to cultivate US students’ world awareness and appreciation of cultural differences through academic and experiential opportunities, to support institutions and organizations active in socially responsible education abroad programs, and to recognize outstanding education abroad leaders. Scholarships are awarded with
a preference to under-represented students in study abroad, including minorities, science and technology majors, and those choosing to study in non-traditional countries. Please visit www.fundforeducationabroad.org for more information.

Responsibilities

Development and Fundraising

• With Executive Team (ET) and Board, develop fundraising goals and strategy.
• Develop and implement donor cultivation and recognition plan; review regularly with an eye to improvement.
• Research prospects and rate them by highest potential.
• Plan development work timeline and keep FEA Executive Team on track.
• Research and assist with preparation of grant proposals for FEA. With ET, write or assign at least one grant a year.
• Organize at least one major annual fundraising event in Washington, DC and oversee the execution of a number of regional events.
• Investigate and suggest new fundraising ideas.
• Oversee transition to donor database including training and best practices.
• Write and assist in writing of appeals for various donor types; follow up on asks.
• Research and pursue strategic partnerships with government and private organizations.
• Regularly review campaign and initiative results to help project outcomes and improve the following year.
• Seek out educational opportunities in the fundraising field for self and ET.

Program Management

• Oversee the scholarship application and selection process.
• Review and revise scholarship parameters, priorities and requirements as necessary in conjunction with the Board Scholarship Committee.
• Develop robust scholarship program for FEA scholars including orientations, blogging and alumni program.
• Oversee metrics and outcomes measurement.

Marketing

• Develop effective presentations to promote FEA to SAO staff, faculty, and/or potential donors.
• Work with Board Staff member who is CET Marketing Director to ensure website, EDMs, collateral pieces, etc, are up to date and effective.
• Train and heighten awareness among colleagues and at conferences about FEA.
• Gather and disseminate FEA-related stories from news sources, students, alumni, etc to support FEA mission.
• Work with Outreach committee to create FEA promotional pieces.
• Develop relationships with strategic partners in the international education field and outside of it.

Board Management

• Organize, act as liaison and direct FEA Board of Directors and Advisory Council.
• Manage Board Committees including work plan, timelines and goals.
• Assign tasks or projects to Board members when needed/appropriate.
• Review and process Board reports and expenses after meetings.
• Develop and monitor Board rules and procedures, such as tenure, policies on reimbursement, etc.
• Organize regular FEA Executive Team (ET) and Board meetings, arrange all meeting details including agenda, space, lodging, meals, etc.
• Oversee recruitment and training of new board members as needed.

Staff and Volunteer Management

• Recruit, train and direct staff and volunteers throughout the year, both on fundraising and donor cultivation as well as event planning and other aspects of Fund’s work.
• Develop training materials for key volunteer functions.
• Maintain and boost volunteer productivity.

Finance and Administration

• Establish and adhere to annual budget.
• Monitor and control expenses to maximize value for scholarships.
• Process expense requests and pay suppliers.
• Assist accounting department in submitting annual tax forms.
• Ensure registration in necessary states.

Requirements

• Experience of 5 years or more in fundraising capacity
• Donor and volunteer service mentality
• Superior organizational and communication abilities
• Analytical capabilities

Other Desirable Qualifications

• Connections to potential donors in Washington DC area
• Connections to study abroad administrators in the US
• Understanding of Education Abroad field
• Experience studying or living abroad
• Familiarity with donor database

Salary
Negotiable, based on experience.

Application Process
Please send a resume and cover letter via email to ksimpson@academic-travel.com no later than mid-
February, indicating the best way and time to contact you during business hours.

Note:  International Higher Education Consulting is not compensated for this post in any manner.  I do serve on the FEA Board of Directors and am simply helping to promote this open position.

Send an LGBTQ Student Abroad through "Rainbow Giving Day" via The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) & the NAFSA Rainbow SIG

Join the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) on November 3rd "National Giving Day" in supporting the NAFSA Rainbow SIG Scholarship in providing a scholarship to a LGBTQ student to study abroad during the 2014-2015 academic year. 

The Rainbow Scholarship is awarded to a deserving LGBTQ undergraduate currently enrolled at a US university of college to study abroad on the program of their choice. The FEA administers the scholarship and works in conjunction with the Rainbow SIG to raise awareness and funds for the scholarship.Goal: $5,000 (up to $2,500 raised, with $2,500 match).  All donations made will be matched, up to $2500, by the generous support of NEA® Member Benefits.

**Please make note that this event takes place in PST, not EST. For your donation to qualify for matching, it must be made between 12:01 am PST and 11:59 pm PST.

Please donate at the following link:  
http://www.razoo.com/story/Rainbow-Scholarship-Day-Of-Giving

For more information contact Kate McPhail, FEA Executive Director at kmcphail@fundforeducationabroad.org or George Kacenga, Rainbow Sig Co-Chair, at george.kacenga@ucdenver.edu.

To apply for the Rainbow Scholarship students must apply for the general FEA scholarship and indicate in their application that they would also like to be considered for the Rainbow Scholarship. The deadline for the Rainbow scholarship application is January 17, 2014. A list of frequently asked questions and a printable flyer for your office can be found at http://www.fundforeducationabroad.com/aboutus/
academic-partners/.

Please join FEA as they host a webinar to introduce FEA, their requirements and the application process, and to answer any questions you may have.  The webinar will be held on two more dates and you can register at the links below.

Monday, December 2 at 4 pm EST
To register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/501491921

Thursday, December 5 at 3 pm EST
To register: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/577484640

Fund for Education Abroad Fourth Annual Reception at the Fathom Gallery on Wednesday, October 16th

This year I joined the Board of the Fund for Education Abroad (a more in depth post on FEA forthcoming!) and I wanted to post about their upcoming annual receiption in Washington, DC this Wednesday, October 16th.  I had plans to attend but in the end my work schedule conflicted and I am forced to miss.

If your schedule permits I encourage you to attend this upcoming networking and fundraising event in support of FEA's common mission: to promote, support and increase opportunities for US college students to study abroad. On Wednesday, October 16 from 6:00-8:00pm, FEA will host its Fourth Annual FEA Reception at the Fathom Gallery on trendy 14th St NW in Washington, DC (1333 Fourteenth Street, NW).

FEA hopes you will join them for a night of networking, great speakers, drinks and delicious food. Tickets are $100. Young Professional tickets are $45 (age 30 and under). All proceeds will benefit FEA and our life-changing scholarships.

Hear more about the importance of increasing access to study abroad from our featured speakers: Maryland State Senator Jamie Raskin (D), District 20, Senate Majority Whip, who has been a strong supporter of international exchange and education, as well as, Hector Santiago, an FEA Scholarship recipient from 2012-2013.

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to increase the number and diversity of US undergraduates studying abroad. FEA is an independent organization that gives semester and year-long scholarships for underrepresented students to attend the study abroad program of their choice. For more information about FEA, please visit www.fundforeducationabroad.org.

To buy tickets for the FEA Annual Reception or for more event information, please visit http://www.fundforeducationabroad.com/support-fea/upcoming-events/. If you cannot attend this event, donations are still welcome at the FEA website.

If you have any questions about the event or how to purchase tickets, please contact the Executive Director, Kate McPhail at kmcphail@fundforeducationabroad.org or 1-202-349-7340.

FEA needs your support! Help them open doors to the world for study abroad students who need it most!