The Gilman International Scholarship Program recognized GW as a top producer of Gilman Scholars in a release last month.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program provides up to $5,000 in funding for Pell Grant recipients to study and intern abroad for those who might not otherwise be able to attend. For its 20th anniversary, the program recognized the top 20 schools sending the most students abroad across small, medium, large and minority-serving institutions.
“These institutions were recognized for their support of equity, diversity and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program,” the release states.
The University was ranked first among medium-sized institutions. The Office for Study Abroad sent 15 students abroad through the Gilman Scholarship Program in 2021 and more than 200 students since the program began in 2001.
“These recognitions reflect the University’s mission of creating global citizens and its commitment to improving access to study abroad so all GW students can have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures and educational experiences,” Assistant Provost of International Education Jennifer Donaghue said.
Officials from the Office for Study Abroad said an increase in study abroad participation before the pandemic and increased promotion through information sessions and University-sponsored support and outreach programs caused the University to increase its production of Gilman Scholars.
Kimberly Rush, the manager of advising services at Office for Study Abroad, and Donaghue said in a joint email that the office’s essay workshops, alumni events and promotional content drew interested applicants.
“Our status as a top producer of Gilman Scholars, we believe, is largely a result of both the hard work and dedication of GW students in submitting competitive application essays as well as our office’s resources, support and outreach for the program with the help of campus partners like the University Writing Center,” they said.
