University of Pittsburgh
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Mission of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship Program

To provide leadership and intercultural competency development opportunities for the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship recipients.  The program will develop leadership skills for application in a global world and encourage passion for life-long learning and civic engagement. 

I. Application Process

The application process is a compilation of an official transcript, an academic and personal letter of reference, and a finely tailored study proposal focusing on one or several of the Heinz Endowments programming areas (i.e. arts and culture; children, youth and families; economic opportunity; education; environment) which would include an estimated budget of expenses.

The eligibility requirements for the program are as follows: 

  • Be an undergraduate woman of sophomore status.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be a full-time student at one of the participating institutions (see list for details)
  • Not already hold a baccalaureate degree.
  • Have a QPA of not less than 3.0.
  • Have been registered as a full-time student for two (2) terms and be returning to the University of Pittsburgh as a full-time student immediately after this study abroad experience
  • Participate in a summer study abroad program for at least 4 weeks (28 days or more) in the international host country and are participating in a program for academic credit.
  • Construct a study proposal that reflects one or more of the five major programming areas of the Heinz Endowments (Arts and Culture; Children, Youth, and Families; Economic Opportunity; Education; and the Environment).
  • Express interest in employment or graduate study in Southwestern Pennsylvania after graduation.
  • Be available to attend the mandatory weekend retreats during the Spring term, a debriefing event in the Fall following the study abroad experience, and complete an internship/community engagement experience during the Spring or Summer terms after completion of the study abroad program.
  • Submit a detailed follow-up report, expense report, and photo journal of the experience
  • Women who have not had an overseas experience or who may not otherwise have such experiences due to financial, academic, or personal reasons are strongly encouraged to apply.

Awards are based on the quality of the study proposal and how it relates to one or more of the five programming areas of the Heinz Endowments, academic performance, and an interview with the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship Selection Committee (note: not all applicants are granted an interview).


II. Leadership Training Retreats

Once the selection process has been completed the awardees have to attend 2 mandatory weekend retreats to take place in Pittsburgh, PA during the Spring semester immediately following the application phase.  The leadership retreats will provide leadership and intercultural competency development opportunities for the recipients.  The retreats will begin the process of developing leadership skills for application in a global world. 

View the Retreat 1 - February 22-24, 2008 - Photo Gallery

III. Study Abroad Experience

The recipients are required to participate in a study abroad experience the summer immediately following the retreats.  This experience must be for academic credit for at least 4 weeks or longer.  The credits must be approved by the home institution prior to departure. 

IV. Debriefing Event


Once the student returns from their summer study abroad experience a mandatory Debriefing Event will take place in Pittsburgh, PA during the Fall semester.  During this time the student will focus on the actual international experience and begin to process the personal ethic of social responsibility in diverse communities, as well as expand their understanding of contemporary contexts, shared customs, beliefs and values of different cultures.  At this time brainstorming will also take place regarding the Community Engagement Experience. 

V. Community Engagement Experience

The Community Engagement Experience (CEE) focuses on the concept of “Think Globally, Act Locally” where the students will have an opportunity to give back to the local community inside of a global context.  This experience can be developed where the student can receive academic credit by the respective institution (please see Coordinator for details) or on a volunteer basis.  The experience will be centered on the student’s area of interest they experienced abroad and brought back with them.  For instance, a student may have an interest in assisting children, youth and families regarding medical and health needs so they may do some work with the local Global Links organization or have an interest in education and choose to teach English to Somali Refugees.  A minimum of 20 contact hours and an experience report will need to be completed in order to satisfy this requirement. 

VI. Electronic Portfolio

This will be a compilation of all assignments/requirements submitted on a final CD for completion of the program.  Additional details will be disseminated to the recipients. 

VII. Graduation Event

This event will take place upon completion of the program to acknowledge and honor our graduates at a special ceremony. A special designation will be presented to the graduates to denote completion of this prestigious program. 


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last updated - 2 January 2008