Five students selected for competitive Gilman Scholarships

Five Grand Valley students were selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the Spring 2018 semester to help fund opportunities to study abroad.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply.

Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies, making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.

The students were awarded the scholarships from a pool of nearly 2,800 applicants, with just more than 1,000 awards offered.

These Grand Valley students were awarded the scholarships, and are listed with their hometown, major(s), and country of study.

Justice Briggs, Byron, Michigan; International Business/Accounting, France

Krystle Lewis, Williamsburg, Michigan; Hospitality and Tourism Management, Thailand

Crystal Juarez, Kentwood, Michigan; Biomedical Sciences, Mexico

Rachel Villafuerte, Wyoming, Michigan; Allied Health Sciences, Spain

Cameron Zbikowski, Wyoming, Michigan; Human Resources, Australia

The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The scholarships, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are awarded to high-achieving students to help diversify the students who study and serve internships abroad, as well as the regions where they work and study. 

For more information on competitive scholarships and fellowships, visit gvsu.edu/fellowships.