University of Pittsburgh
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Vira I. Heinz Scholarship Program for Women in Global Leadership

Since the 1950’s, funding from the Vira I. Heinz Foundation has afforded the opportunity to travel and study abroad to numerous young women from fifteen local and regional colleges and universities.  This scholarship program has functioned adequately for this purpose, but has not necessarily cultivated leadership qualities in the recipients, nor has it served to integrate them into the greater Pittsburgh community upon graduation.  The program has been enhanced by adding a strong leadership development component prior to the study abroad experience.  Intercultural training will provide important skills for maximizing cultural learning while abroad. Following a debriefing/processing exercise after studying abroad, a community engagement experience in a local business or organization that functions in an international context will engage the participants in community service as another important learning opportunity.  A final electronic portfolio will be submitted upon completion of the program will integrate the leadership training, the study abroad experience, and the community engagement experience.   This outstanding opportunity for leadership development and experiential learning will then be recognized during a graduation event.  Ultimately, the goal of the program is to fully realize the motto of the Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership: “Preparing women leaders for tomorrow’s global challenges” and to increase its visibility on campus and in the community.
Mission

Mission
The Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership develops world citizens and encourages a passion for life-long learning and civic engagement.

Program Assumptions and Parameters:

1. The capacity to learn is a fundamental ability for effective leadership.
2. Effective leadership requires intercultural competency.
3. Leadership development incorporates character development and personal growth.
4. Leadership competencies include knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are strengthened through experience and reflection.
5.The program incorporates foreign study and community engagement as the basis for experiential learning.
6. Leadership skill development is a life-long endeavor.

Overall Learning Outcomes
Participants will explore four fundamentals of leadership:

Self-Knowledge
Valuing Others
Integrity
Accountability

  • Participants will develop intercultural awareness and understand how they enhance leadership.  They will develop an appreciation of culturally different perspectives based on beliefs, values, and customs.  They will understand the impact of culture on team effectiveness.
  • Participants will challenge current mental models and deeply held assumptions related to gender, race, culture, and how they differ in different cultural settings.

Participants will develop and embrace a personal ethic of social responsibility in diverse communities
last updated - 2 January 2008