The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point is one of 57 colleges and universities nationwide to join the #YouAreWelcomeHere national scholarship program, pledging to create scholarships for international students to study in the United States.
Beginning in fall 2019, each of the 57 participating colleges and universities will offer two annual, renewable scholarships that will cover a minimum of 50 percent of the recipients' tuition. These scholarships support incoming international students who are committed to furthering the #YouAreWelcomeHere message through intercultural exchange that bridges divides at their future campuses and beyond.
"The #YAWH scholarship speaks directly to UW-Stevens Point's commitment to a diverse student body," said Marc Young, interim director of recruitment with the UW-Stevens Point Admissions Office. "International students play a large role in elevating the value of the UW-Stevens Point experience."
UW-Stevens Point is the only public university in the state to be part of this national initiative.
It began in May with nine universities and now includes institutions coast to coast, from community colleges to large public universities. The campaign also has earned support from key international education organizations, including the Association of International Educators and the Institute of International Education (IIE).
"The #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship meets an essential challenge in the effort to support international and refugee students, foster intercultural understanding and develop future leaders," said Allan E. Goodman, president of the IIE. "Refugee students flee conflict zones and cross intercultural divides to continue their higher education. As a higher education community, it is our responsibility to support such great efforts and welcome refugees to safe-haven universities across the United States."
To qualify, international applicants must hold citizenship in a country outside the United States and not possess U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Interested students must apply for admission to one of the 57 participating universities or colleges, before completing a scholarship application to be submitted directly to the university or college of choice. The application deadline for the fall 2019 scholarships is Dec. 15, 2018, with awardees receiving notification by May 2019.
Following expressions of apprehension by some international students about studying in the U.S., in November 2016, Temple University expanded the #YouAreWelcomeHere hashtag into an international campaign to ensure that international students at U.S. universities and colleges feel welcome. Since then, more than 350 colleges and universities, 70 international education companies and organizations and 20 high schools have joined. Follow the campaign at youarewelcomehere.org.
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