A total of eight MSU students were awarded more than $26,000 in scholarships through the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

Jamir Bowers, Chris Bridges, Noah Dreiling, Lourdes Knox, Norma Makki and Kayla Myles received awards for participation in summer 2023 programs. Olivia (Live) Canella received an award for participation in a 2024 spring semester program.

Gregory Jesus Rivera received the Gilman-McCain Scholarship which provides awards for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.

The cohort of eight scholars will study and/or intern in seven countries on four continents including Africa (Kenya and Tanzania), Europe (Germany, Greece, and Spain), Australia and South America (Brazil).

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.

The Gilman Scholarship often contributes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. According to the Department of State, 70% of Gilman recipients self-identify as racial or ethnic minorities, 60% are from rural areas and small towns across America, and half are first-generation college or university students.  All are Pell Grant recipients.  

The Gilman Scholarship is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE).  More than 3,600 Gilman scholarships were awarded during the 2022-2023 academic year.

Visit the Gilman Scholarship website to learn more about the Gilman scholarship and its recipients.