GLOBAL CHANGE SCHOLARS
The Global Change Scholars program is a collaboration between the Multicultural Academic Opportunities Program (MAOP) and the Global Change Center at Virginia Tech. The Global Change Scholars program provides financial assistance to undergraduate students from the U.S. who demonstrate a commitment to academics, research, and community stewardship. Undergraduate Scholars conduct research with Global Change Center faculty.
In exchange for financial support, Global Change Scholars must join other Undergraduate Scholars and MAOP participants in “family” meetings to share ideas and experiences with each other and attend personal and academic growth seminars designed to help students understand their role in the greater community, expand their appreciation for multiculturalism, and to achieve their academic goals. Students are also encouraged to consider advanced study options such as graduate school.
This program offers awards ranging from $750.00 to $1,500.00 for eligible U.S. citizens with unmet financial need.
The Global Change Scholars Program offers awards ranging from $750.00 to $1,500.00 for eligible U.S. citizens with unmet financial need (i.e. students who have submitted a FAFSA, and show unmet financial need after financial aid is awarded).
The Global Change Scholarship is renewable if participating students:
- maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- receive a satisfactory review by the faculty mentor for research-relevant performance in the lab and/or field environment
- continue to conduct research with a Global Change Center faculty affiliate (students may continue working with the same faculty member, or switch among Global Change Center faculty members in subsequent years)
- meet all of the requirements, which includes having unmet financial need
The amount of the scholarship may vary due to the calculations of financial need.
Students interested in applying should first establish a relationship with a GCC faculty mentor and identify appropriate research opportunities in the mentor’s research program.
Scholars selected for the program are expected to participate in the following activities:
- Attend two 1:1 meetings with MAOP staff per semester.
- Attend two MAOP sponsored workshops focused on academic, professional, and personal wellness per semester.
- If students are not able to attend MAOP sponsored workshops, they will submit a Workshop Substitution form and can attend a workshop hosted by another organization or office on campus.
- Participate in events (workshops, seminars, public lectures) hosted by the Global Change Center and its Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Program.
- Complete weekly research under the guidance of a Global Change Faculty affiliate and their lab members.
MAOP and the GCC are committed to:
- Connecting students to resources as needed. We serve as an advocate and referral for students.
- Listening to what the students need and adjusting programming as needed.
- Connect students with faculty for research opportunities.
- Supporting the transition into graduate programs.
- Proving a space for a community of scholars to connect and receive support from MAOP.
The deadline to apply for the 2024 – 2025 Academic Year is April 15, 2024. The application will be posted here on February 15, 2024.
*Make sure to log in using your VT email or otherwise you will not be able to fill out the application.
- To be considered as an Undergraduate Scholar, for 2024-2025, you will need to submit a completed applicaton online. The application link will be provided here on February 15, 2024.
- Please be sure to have the names and contact information of two references available before applying; each will be asked to provide a reference letter by the April 15 application deadline. One of the two references should be the Global Change Center faculty member with whom you will be working. The reference letter from the GCC mentor should specify: a) why the student is a good fit for their program; b) the research that the student will be doing; c) the nature of the student’s position (e.g. paid, for credit, volunteer, etc.)
- Have your unofficial high school or previous college transcript available before applying.
- Once the completed application is received, it is shared with the Global Change Center and they will make the final decision.
- The awards are finalized upon the review of financial aid in late Spring.
For additional information about the MAOP Undergraduate Scholars program, please visit their website.
For further questions about the MAOP Global Change Scholars program, please contact:
Dr. Bill Hopkins
Director, Global Change Center
hopkinsw@vt.edu