Overview
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship (AU EGLS) is a prestigious award designed to attract and support high-achieving international students who demonstrate significant leadership potential and a commitment to positive civic and social change. Offered by American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., the scholarship aims to empower these students to become catalysts for development in their home countries and communities.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship are to:
1.Promote International Diversity: Attract students from diverse backgrounds and cultures to foster a global learning environment at AU.
2.Support Leadership Development: Provide resources and opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills.
3.Encourage Civic Engagement: Inspire students to engage in activities that promote social, economic, and political change in their home countries.
4.Provide Financial Assistance: Offer substantial financial support to cover the costs of tuition, room, and board, making higher education accessible to talented international students.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be international students, not U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or dual citizens of the U.S. and another country.
- Be applying for their first undergraduate degree at American University.
- Demonstrate a commitment to leadership, volunteerism, community service, and advancing the needs of people in their home country.
- Have a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.8 out of 4.0 in secondary school.
- Have demonstrated English proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 95, IELTS score of 7.0, or Duolingo English Test score of 120.
- Be able to meet additional conditions, such as the ability to prove that they can cover the remaining costs of their education that are not covered by the scholarship (approximately U.S. $4,000 per year).
Application Process
The application process for the AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship includes several steps:
- Application for Admission: Candidates must apply for admission to American University as first-year undergraduate students. This includes submitting the Common Application or Coalition Application along with all required documents.
- Scholarship Application: Applicants must complete and submit the AU EGLS application form, which includes a personal essay and additional supporting documents demonstrating their leadership experiences and commitment to community service.
- Recommendation Letters: Applicants must provide letters of recommendation from teachers or community leaders who can attest to their leadership skills and potential.
- Financial Certification: As part of the application process, candidates must submit a Certificate of Finances form and bank letter to demonstrate that they can cover the additional costs of attendance.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in an interview as part of the final selection process.
Scholarship Coverage
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition, room, and board for a maximum of four years of undergraduate study at American University, based on continued satisfactory academic performance.
- Support for academic and leadership development through participation in various programs and activities at AU.
- However, the scholarship does not cover non-billable expenses such as mandatory health insurance, books, airline tickets, and other personal expenses. Recipients are expected to cover these costs through personal or family funds.
Selection Criteria
The selection process is highly competitive and based on several key criteria:
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrated by high grades and rigorous coursework.
- Leadership Potential: Evidence of significant leadership roles and achievements in the applicant’s school and community.
- Community Service: A strong record of volunteerism and community service.
- Commitment to Social Change: A clear vision for how the applicant plans to use their education to create positive change in their home country.
Program Benefits
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offers numerous benefits beyond financial support:
- Leadership Development: Scholarship recipients participate in leadership development programs and workshops that equip them with the skills needed to drive change.
- Mentorship and Networking: Access to mentorship from faculty and connections with a network of current and former AU EGLS scholars.
- Global Exposure: Opportunities to engage with a diverse student body and participate in international events and activities.
- Academic Excellence: Access to high-quality education and resources at one of the leading universities in the United States.
- Community Engagement: Involvement in civic and community service activities, both on and off-campus.
Impact and Legacy
The AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship has a profound impact on its recipients and their communities. Scholars often return to their home countries after graduation, where they apply their skills and knowledge to address local challenges, drive innovation, and promote social justice.
Many AU EGLS alumni have gone on to become influential leaders in various fields, including government, non-profit organizations, business, and education. Their work continues to contribute to the development and betterment of their home countries, embodying the mission and values of the scholarship program.
Conclusion
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship is more than just a financial award; it is a comprehensive program designed to nurture the next generation of global leaders. By providing high-achieving international students with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed, AU is helping to build a more equitable and sustainable world. The scholarship not only transforms the lives of individual students but also has a ripple effect, fostering positive change in communities around the globe.
