First-generation students have a new source of funding for study abroad, thanks to a new scholarship from the Learning Abroad Center. 

The scholarship is designed to increase the number of first-generation students studying abroad and ease the financial barriers to an experience abroad for students with demonstrated financial need.

Almost 25 percent of University of Minnesota undergraduates are the first in their families to attend college, while 15.2% of UMN students who studied abroad in 2023–24 are first-generation. 

“This award is one part of a broader university-wide effort to increase the number of first-generation students who study abroad during their time at the University of Minnesota,” said Nathan Jacobson, a Learning Abroad Center adviser and one of the scholarship coordinators. “We are proud to be working with partners across campus in the development and promotion of this scholarship.”

The award also provides assurance of funding earlier in the process, while students may still be considering which programs are a good fit for them. The funding can be used at any time during a student’s undergraduate career, beginning with the fall semester following the term they received the award.

Students who receive the scholarship will be awarded $1,000 toward the cost of their program, and the Learning Abroad Center will cover their airfare.

This year’s scholarship application deadline is February 12, 2025. Learn more and apply.