Media contact: Yvonne Taunton
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Keyanna Stokes in the UAB Pre-Nursing program was selected from among more than 1,500 applicants for the scholarship, sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. student Keyanna Stokes has been selected for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship chosen from among more than 1,500 applicants.
The Gilman Scholarship is sponsored by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program aims to make study abroad experiences accessible to a more diverse population of students and gives students the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies — making them better prepared to assume leadership roles in government and the private sector.
Students are selected for the Gilman Scholarship through a highly competitive application process. The program receives more than 10,000 applications each year and awards about 2,500 scholarships. Gilman scholars are awarded up to $5,000 toward their study abroad or internship program costs.
Stokes, in the Pre-Nursing program, is set to study in the United Kingdom as part of her Gilman Scholarship studies. With travel restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, her program is subject to change as their trips are delayed until 2022. She is working with UAB’s Office of Education Abroad to ensure that her trip takes place as soon as travel is deemed safe.
“Remarkable students are seeking these opportunities even amid a pandemic, and they are being recognized at the national level for their tenacity, commitment and passion,” said Ashley Neyer, director of Education Abroad. “We are looking forward to Education Abroad programs’ resuming when it is safe to travel. In the meantime, we are working with students to shift their study abroad plans to meet their academic requirements along with scholarship requirements.”
The Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships works closely with students throughout the application process. Gilman applicants also work with the Office of Education Abroad to find study abroad programs that best match their needs and interests.
“I am excited for Keyanna to embark on this life-changing experience,” said Michelle Cook, Ph.D., interim director of UAB’s Office of National and International Fellowships and Scholarships. “Applying for these programs is always challenging, even more so in the middle of a pandemic. She is bright, determined and resilient, and UAB is proud of her achievement.”
Students interested in learning more about nationally competitive scholarships, including Gilman, should contact fellowships@uab.edu for more information.