The Gilman program, which is not associated with the COCC financial aid office, aims to support students who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad, including ANY of these categories:
- Students with high financial need
- Community college students
- Students in underrepresented fields such as the sciences and engineering
- Students with diverse ethnic backgrounds
- Students with disabilities
The application process is free.
The program seeks to assist students from a diverse range and type of two-year and four-year public and private institutions from all 50 states.
Any student who is currently receiving a Pell Grant is eligible for up to $5,000. The average award is about $4,000. Award amounts are based on the amount the student needs and where their application ranked among those selected. Panelists do not see the financial need information for an applicant. Need is considered once a student is selected for the scholarship, as all eligible applicants are receiving Pell Grants and considered to be in high financial need. Once a student is selected for the Gilman Scholarship, the program determines the student’s unmet need. This is determined by subtracting any financial aid (excluding loans) the student can apply towards the study abroad program from the program cost. The second factor in determining the amount of a student’s award is where the student ranked in the list of selected applicants. An applicant’s ranking, based on the application, is assigned by the selection panel.
Application deadline for the Fall 2009 program in Florence is in April, with notification in mid-June. Deadline for the Spring 2009 program in Paris is October 7, 2008, with notification in December.
To apply, first complete the on-campus ReleaseofInformation.pdf. This form should be submitted to Enrollment Services in BEC, giving Michael Holtzclaw permission to review your transcript, current schedule and financial aid information so that he can certify your application. Then, visit: www.iie.org/gilman.
For further information, call 713-621-6399, ext. 25.