Challenge Grants

These flexible grants are for students seeking to write, photograph and/or film for the SRAS Family of Sites. Media can include blog entries, researched articles, annotated photographs, or videos. Some entries are assigned but most are decided in communication between the student and SRAS staff. Entries can cover a wide range of topics as approved by the editor.

The Award: Up to $500 (per program session)
The grant is awarded after all conditions are met. Awards are calculated based on entries completed. Full awards are given after 15 “entries” are completed. Each entry is at least: 1.5-2 written pages (1″ margins, double spaced, 12-point TNR font); OR 6-8 annotated, quality photographs; OR 30 seconds of edited video material. A single project may cover multiple “entries.”

Additional Application Materials:
When you apply for your SRAS study abroad program, you will additionally submit:

1. Your resume.
2. Plus ONE of the following:
   1. A sample review – either written (.5 – 1 page long) or video (up to one minute).
      Do you have a favorite interest group, church, museum, historical attraction, or public place to stroll or spend time – either at home or someplace you’ve been abroad? Review it. Make sure to mention, wherever applicable: price, ambiance, and any cultural aspects of the experience. Bonus points if this is somewhere where you can learn about the locality and/or meet locals.
   2. A video of up to one minute telling us why you want to participate in your program.
      Note that the application system does not currently allow videos to be directly uploaded. Please use YouTube or another hosting service to upload your video, then cut and paste the url to access the video to a word document and submit that.
   3. Seven to eight annotated photographs. Annotation must include at least a paragraph of narrative text explaining what is happening in the photographs and its significance. Each photograph may be annotated or, if using a set of related photographs, a single annotation for the set may be used. These may submitted by: 1) using a photo sharing site that allows for captions and submitting links to the image within a word document; 2) placing the images in a word file with the text; or 3) by providing annotation(s) written in a word file with a link to the photographs hosted online.
   4. A writing sample.
      We prefer writing of relevance to the geographic area you will be traveling to or the subjects you most wish to write on. However, any example that you feel best showcases your skills in research and analysis will be accepted.

Application Deadline: SRAS grants are connected to SRAS programs. Applications for this grant are due on the same day as the related program application. Decisions are made after the application deadlines.

Dedication: This grant was founded in honor of Charles Braver, an educator who promoted travel and cross-cultural understanding. Find out more about Charles Braver at the bottom of this page.

SRAS encourages students from minority serving institutions to study abroad.

The Award: Actual awards vary by the specific program, location, and length of program you choose, but average awards are: $150 for programs lasting 1-6 weeks, $300 for any standard SRAS program lasting six weeks to three months, $500 for any program of three months to one semester, and $750 for academic year programs.

Application Materials: When you apply for your SRAS study abroad program, you will additionally submit:

1. Proof of enrolment in or graduation from a minority-serving educational institution.

Application Deadline: SRAS grants are connected to SRAS programs. Applications for this grant are due on the same day as the related program application. Decisions are made after the application deadlines.

Apply for back-to-back SRAS programs in different locations and save!

The Award:
$500 applied to the final session/semester when you study in 2 different SRAS locations for a semester plus summer program of at least 6 weeks in duration.
$1000 applied to the final semester when you study in two SRAS semester programs in different locations.
$1500 applied to final session/semester when you study in any three SRAS programs in different locations. Only one of the programs may be a summer program (6 weeks minimum duration).

Additional Application Materials: Sign up for qualifying programs.

Application Deadline: SRAS grants are connected to SRAS programs. Applications for this grant are due on the same day as the related program application.

Dedication: This grant was founded in honor of Charles Braver, an educator who promoted travel and cross-cultural understanding. Find out more about Charles Braver at the bottom of this page.

Sign up for two consecutive programs in the same location to qualify.

The Award: $1000 is applied for two consecutive SRAS semester-long programs in the same location (fall + spring). $500 is applied toward combining a summer program of at least 6 weeks with a fall or spring semester in the same location.

The discount is applied toward payment for the second program.

Additional Application Materials: Sign up for qualifying programs.

Application Deadline: SRAS grants are connected to SRAS programs. Applications for this grant are due on the same day as the related program application.

You qualify for this scholarship if you…

1. Receive a Boren, FLAS, or Gilman Scholarship for the SRAS program you applied for;
2. Study abroad after or while in the military*;
3. Have completed a government internship in the past year**;
4. Are teaching a full class (either as a state certified teacher, graduate assistant, or professor);
5. Return abroad as an SRAS alum;
6. Are an honors program student*** at your home university.

The Award: Actual awards vary by the specific program, location, and length of program you choose, but average awards are: $300 for any standard SRAS program lasting six weeks to three months, $500 for any program of three months to a full semester, and $750 for academic year programs.

Application Materials: When you apply for your SRAS study abroad program, you will additionally submit:

1. Proof from the relevant organization that you qualify.

*Active duty or honorably discharged; does not include ProjectGo applicants
**Military training such as boot camp and officer corp training do not count as “government internships” in this case
*** In this case an honors program student means you are participating in a program that has special classes as part of an honors college, not just that you have a special status from receiving high grades.

Bring two or more friends abroad!

The Award: Three students or more students signing up for the same session or semester of the same program each receive a $500 discount for any program of 10 weeks or longer, or $300 for programs that are at least 6 weeks. Groups of six or more will receive a bonus to the cultural program (an extra paid trip out of the city, guided excursion, etc.).

Application Materials: All participants must name each other as part of their application for their SRAS study abroad program.