SUNY Diversity Abroad Honors Scholarship Program

SUNY’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) is expanding its undergraduate scholarship program to diverse students interested in participating in one of SUNY’s many study abroad programs. 

The Diversity Abroad Honors Scholarship Program (DAHSP) recognizes the valuable benefit that SUNY’s international education programs provide.  

The Diversity Abroad Honors Scholarship Program complements an existing statewide undergraduate scholarship program for students from a broad range of backgrounds who will contribute to the diversity of the student body in their campus or academic program. A limited number of scholarships of up to $1,000 each will be awarded to students who satisfy the eligibility criteria. Campuses must also identify a source of matching funds equal to or greater than the scholarship award for a total grant up to $2,000. Funds may be used to support a variety of international experiences, including, but not limited to:

• Global research experiences or internships;
• Short-term or semester studies, including summer and/or J-term programs;
• Mentorship/study/research in STEM disciplines;
• Credit-bearing summer study programs including cultural immersion;
• Faculty-led programs, including those embedded in academic courses.

Academic Criteria:
• Students will be enrolled in a degree program with a declared major at a sponsoring SUNY campus;
• Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to compete for travel awards;
• Transfer students will become eligible to study abroad during the second semester of enrollment in a SUNY two-year or baccalaureate program;
• Each campus will define the criteria for high achievement and minimum GPA for scholarship nomination; recipients may be enrolled in less than full-time status, providing they continue to meet campus definition of high achievement.

Financial Criteria:
• Candidates are not required to demonstrate financial need. Financial aid and loans may be used to support tuition and additional costs of study abroad programs. Completion of a FAFSA for Pell, TAP and family-based resources may be required by the Study Abroad Program Office at your college.

Additional Eligibility Criteria:
• Candidates must be United States citizens, permanent resident aliens and New York State residents. Those nominated from underrepresented and low-income categories may receive positive consideration as diversity candidates. Campuses may consider financial need and economic disadvantage as a diversity indicator, but applicants must also meet a high academic standard as evidenced by GPA and supporting recommendations.

Diversity Abroad Honors Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit-based campus nominations. Nominations will be coordinated and submitted by the respective campus Study Abroad Program Office. Completed application packets will be directed to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for final selection.

Campuses may nominate only one candidate per semester.  

Application Completion and Nomination Requirements
A. Candidates should complete the application process with the approval of the Study Abroad Program Officer. A complete application packet will include:

  • A completed application form, signed and submitted to ODEI by the Study Abroad Program Officer or Coordinator;
  • A personal essay (1-2 pages) outlining what the candidate hopes to achieve through study abroad, such as cultural/language immersion, research, mentorship, travel, etc.;
  • One recommendation (i.e.: Department Chair, Faculty Advisor, Program or Research Coordinator).

B. Post-travel Experience:
• Program Report: Students receiving awards will be required to submit a summary of their experience detailing how it contributed to their career and college goals within 60 days of completing their travel to the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
• Program Ambassador: Students must be willing to share their travel experience in a college or conference forum following their study abroad experience, including the submission of a high-resolution facial photograph for promotional purposes.

Application Deadline for Winter 2024 and Spring 2024 Programs is October 1, 2023.