Give Back to the World: Sustainability Scholars Program

About the Program:

The goal of this program and scholarship is to promote students’ conscientious participation in study abroad activities as it relates to sustainable practices and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Students will be prompted to “give back” by thinking more critically about how they engage with the world and act in ways that promote more sustainable and just communities, particularly as they become aware of the impacts travel can have on the environment and host communities. This program goes beyond the study abroad experience by prompting students to reflect on their experience and how peace, justice, and equity intersect with sustainable development around the world and back at “home.”

Students who apply and have been selected for this program will receive funding towards a future education abroad experience, contingent upon the successful completion of all program components.

Program Components:

Students selected to become Sustainability Scholars will be required to attend at least two Penn State Sustainability Institute events, or similar events, prior to their education abroad experience. While abroad, Scholars are expected to continue to build their skills and knowledge about sustainability topics while finding ways to further existing sustainability efforts on the ground in their host communities. After returning from their education abroad experience Scholars will choose a way to continue their engagement with sustainability and use their experience to serve their communities. Some potential options can be found below:

  • Present at the annual Undergraduate Exhibition at University Park or an equivalent event at the Scholar's campus

  • Present at or help organize the annual sustainability conference hosted by Penn State Global

  • Become an active member of a recognized student organization committed to sustainability (EcoReps, Student Farm, Student Sustainability Council, etc.)

  • Take on a student job or internship relating to sustainability. This could be one of the Sustainability Institute's student positions or any other relevant job at Penn State or in the community

In addition, Scholars are expected to meet with a small group of Education Abroad staff after their return to discuss their education abroad experience, the impact of the Sustainability Scholars program, and their future plans. Scholar feedback and experiences will help not only influence future iterations of this program, but also shape sustainability priorities across all of Education Abroad.

Application Process:

In the application, students will be asked to submit an essay addressing the following prompt:

Please describe how your preferred education abroad program aligns with 1-2 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). What do you plan to do abroad and/or when you return to advance these or other SDGs in the context of your education abroad experience?

Essays must be between 250 - 500 words and can be uploaded in the application form as a word document or pdf.

  • Applications Open: Monday, September 5, 2022

  • Applications Close: Sunday, October 16, 2022

New application cycle available for a limited number of additional scholars!

  • Applications Open: Tuesday, January 3, 2023

  • Applications Close: 11:59pm Wednesday, February 1, 2023

The selection committee will review applications, and those selected will be notified via email. Students will have the opportunity to officially commit to the scholars program after careful review of all program components. After committing to the program, students will receive support from Education Abroad staff in selecting and applying to a future education abroad experience if they have not already done so. The award will be applied at the time of the experience.

Award Amounts:

  • Embedded Program: $1,000

  • Summer Program (non-embedded): $1,500

  • Semester Program: $2,000

Eligibility:

  • Any Penn State student, at any campus, is eligible to apply to this program, provided they plan to pursue an approved education abroad experience.

  • Students do not need to have an open education abroad application to apply to this program.

  • To receive this award, students must apply and must be selected to participate, must successfully complete all program components, and must participate on an approved Penn State education abroad experience.