This award is neither merit nor needs-based. The purpose of this award is to have students create projects that will promote studying abroad. The amount awarded is based entirely on the dedication, innovation, and work a student is prepared to commit to a project. The Award amount is determined by the committee. The typical minimum award is $200 for applications turned in correctly, i.e. application filled out with the project proposed.
Eligibility: Students applying for the Opportunity Award must be a Weber State University student that is currently registered (or planning on registering) for a short-term faculty-led program or Summer school offered through the Study Abroad office and registered for at least 1 credit during the semester they plan on particpating on that Study Abroad program. To be awarded this scholarship, students must complete steps 1-5 listed on the Financial Aid and Scholarships Website. Please prepare and help streamline the awarding process by completing these steps in advance.
There are two options for the Opportunity Award, you may only choose one.
Option #1: Become a Study Abroad Social Media Ambassador. This will likely involve you doing a “social media takeover” for parts of your program. If you would like this option you can fill out this application and our Social Media Manager will contact you to discuss the best course of action. Social Media Ambassadors award amounts will vary based on the amount of student applicants.
OR
Option #2: The applicant prepares a project proposal in which the project will promote studying abroad. This option typically awards between $200 - $1,000 depending on availability and the amount of students that apply. The criteria for the project proposal and an example are listed below. There are 4 criteria we look for on the Option #2 projects:
1 - Work. The committee tries to determine how many hours the project would require of the student.
2 - Eyes. How many people would see/be exposed to the project? Please note who will potentially see/be exposed to your project (Weber State students, Ogden community members, Northern Utah, etc.)
3 - Skills. What skills will be used to produce this project? Audio editing, public speaking, art skills, etc. If this is a project only a few people can complete this makes it more unique to our office.
4 - Innovation. This category is worth the most points. The application gives some examples of previous projects and project ideas. If it is something we've never seen before or that would be exceptionally high quality, it will get more points during the review process.
Formatting of the Project Proposal: Keep your proposal brief. A list of bullet points or a small paragraph with a maximum of 500 words will be appropriate. An example of an Opportunity Award Proposal can be found HERE.
Application: Opportunity Award Option #1: Social Media Application OR Option #2: Project Proposal Application
Deadline for Spring Break 2025: 11:59 pm December 15, 2024
Deadline for Summer 2025: 11:59 pm March 9, 2025
**Exchange students are not eligible for the Opportunity Award. Instead you can apply for the Exchange Scholarship below.**
If you have any questions, please contact the Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@weber.edu