UC Merced was recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for producing the most Gilman recipients over the past 20 years in the following category: Medium Institution, 20-year Gilman Top Producer.
Eighty-two students from UC Merced have been selected for Gilman awards since 2009.
“UC Merced’s recognition as a top producer of Gilman Scholars is a significant honor,” Director of International Affairs Garett Gietzen said. “We are committed to providing access to study abroad for all of our students and the Gilman Scholarship helps us further this commitment.”
Throughout its 20-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduates who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate.
Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries.
UC Merced was recognized by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig as one of the universities in the country to have sent the most Gilman Scholars abroad over the past two decades. These institutions were recognized for their support of equity, diversity and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program.
“By providing resources to students of limited financial means, many of whom are first-generation or from historically underrepresented backgrounds, the scholarship plays an important role in increasing and broadening UC Merced’s study abroad participation. In this respect, it contributes to fulfilling the university’s pledge to diversity, equity and inclusion,” Gietzen said.
Based on 20 years of data, the top 20 institutions in four categories are being honored: small, medium and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. Colleges and universities in 27 states, plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, are represented, as well as 33 Minority Serving Institutions.
To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, nonprofit and private sectors, visit the Gilman Scholarship website.
