The University of Florida was recognized today by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for having produced the most Gilman recipients over the past twenty years in the Large Institution category.
259 students from the University of Florida received Gilman awards since 2001. “We are extremely pleased to be recognized for our efforts to practice diversity and inclusion as we build and implement education abroad programs for UF students. The Gilman scholarships unlock opportunities to prepare our Global Gators to assume leadership roles in their future careers, and to gain a better understanding of other cultures, languages, and societies,” said Leonardo Villalón, Dean of the UF International Center.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is proud to announce the twenty-year anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program and its Top Producing Institutions over the past twenty years. Throughout its twenty-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. undergraduate students 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 around the globe.
Today at the Diversity Abroad conference, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig virtually announced the U.S. colleges and universities that 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. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.
Based on twenty years of data, the top twenty institutions in four categories are being honored: small, medium, and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. Colleges and universities in twenty-seven states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, are represented, as well as thirty-three Minority Serving Institutions.
As the recent Department of State and Department of Education Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education noted, “All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy.”
To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov and visit www.gilmanscholarship.org. The website includes a full list of the institutions by category, and additional information on the Gilman Program’s 20th anniversary.
At the University of Florida, the Gilman competition is administered by Study Abroad Services in the International Center. For further information about the Gilman Program, please visit the UF International Center website.