Nearly 10,000 American students received scholarships to study in 125 countries

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), in partnership with the Institute of International Education, marks the tenth anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The program fosters greater diversity of American students in study abroad.

Since the program’s launch in academic year 2001-2002, nearly 10,000 American students, representing nearly 950 academic institutions in all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., have received scholarships to study in 125 countries. Seventy percent of Gilman Scholarship winners study outside Western Europe. China, South Africa, Mexico, India, Egypt, Russia and Brazil are among the top destinations. Nearly half of all Gilman Scholars were the first in their families to go to college, and more than half represent racial and ethnic minorities.

A key element in the program’s success is the network of 3,000 Gilman Scholarship Advisors at nearly 1,000 U.S. institutions. They conduct outreach to underrepresented student sectors including those with high financial need; from diverse ethnic backgrounds; from under-represented institutions; majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and students with disabilities.

For additional details on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program visit http://exchanges.state.gov/globalexchanges/gilman-scholarship-program.html.

Media Contacts: James A. Lawrence, lawrenceja@state.gov, (202) 632-3241, or Carla Coolman, CoolmanCH@state.gov, 202-632-3356.