Student Awards

Global Scholar Award

Advanced Global Research promoted by Global Programs and Studies through competitive awards.

Purpose:  The mission of Wheaton College’s Global Programs and Studies Initiative is to develop students’ capacities for global engagement through equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and concepts of intercultural competency through sustained and meaningful engagement with members of other cultures whether at home or abroad.  As one of the Global Programs and Studies programs, the Global Scholar Award supports undergraduate or graduate students to undertake research or a creative project that deepens awareness and knowledge of an issue facing the global community than would otherwise be possible in a traditional on-campus course or experience.   A wide range of topics will be considered, but they must be well-defined and undertaken in an international or cross-cultural context for a minimum of 8-10 weeks.  It is expected that the research or creative project will be carried-out during the summer; however, proposals will be considered for work during the normal academic year provided the project represents work over and above normal coursework.  All projects must be closely supervised by a faculty member who will also receive a stipend.  These awards are competitive and may be funded up to $5,000.00.  Students from any major or graduate program are eligible to apply.

Eligibility:  Undergraduate students from all majors with at least sophomore standing at the time of application and who will be enrolled for at least one semester on-campus after the period of the award may apply. Graduate students who have completed the equivalent of the first year of their graduate program and will be returning for at least one semester after the period of the award may apply. A minimum GPA of 3.0* at the time of application is required.  All applicants must be in good academic and student development standing, including chapel throughout the period of the award and subsequent semester and be eligible for international/off-campus travel with Wheaton College. 

*For students with a GPA below 3.0, consideration will be made on a case by case basis.

• Recommendations and guidance for supervising faculty: The proposal should be developed in consultation with a supervising faculty member.  Allow your supervising faculty member ample time to interact with your proposal. Listed here are the Responsibilities of Global Scholar Award Supervising Faculty, please present the linked document to potential supervisors at the time of supervisorial request.  A recommendation will be required from the Supervising Faculty member as well as another faculty. 
• Recommendation requests need to be submitted at least 4 weeks before submitting your application to allow for ample time to engage with your proposal. 
• Language Attestation Form: If the project will be conducted in a country where English is not the primary language or with a population group in the United States that is not English-speaking, an Attestation of Language Proficiency from an appropriate evaluator, preferably a Wheaton College faculty member. Applicants should download the form, fill out the top portion, and submit to an appropriate evaluator to complete the form.

Global Scholar Award Application:  Questionnaires as well as guiding questions for your written proposal of the award application are provided on the Global Scholar Award Application. 

Deadline:  February 16, 2026 before 11:59 p.m.

Post-Selection:  Applicants selected as Global Scholar Award recipients will have their award distributed through a taxable disbursement; funds will not be disbursed until ALL application requirements are complete. In addition, since one of the primary goals of the award is to contribute to the overall globalization of the campus, award recipients are asked to attend a series of intercultural orientation seminars prior to the proposed activities and to make a presentation open to the campus community on the work completed.

Additional Information to be noted:

• Creative projects include activities such as creative writing, musical performance or composition, theater productions, film, painting, photography, or sculpture among others.
  

• Only one graduate student award is available each year.

Global Scholar Award Recipient 2024-25

Global Scholar Award Recipient 2022-23

Global Scholar Award Recipient 2019-20

Global Scholar Award Recipient 2018-19

Global Scholar Award Recipient 2017-18

Global Scholar Award Recipient 2016-17

Global Scholar Award Recipients 2015-16

Global Scholar Award Recipients 2014-15

Leilani Danning Lu - 2021 Global Scholar Presentation