The Western Union Foundation continues to invest in educational attainment for high-potential, in-need students with nearly $500,000 in scholarship funding this academic year.
The Western Union Foundation announced it will provide scholarships to 52 students studying at 30 universities in nine countries during the 2022-2023 school year.
For more than two decades, the Foundation has empowered disadvantaged youth and migrants with the job skills, training and education needed to succeed in today’s global economy. The Western Union Scholars program was launched by the Foundation in 2017 to provide funding to students struggling to complete their final years of college due to financial constraints.
Most Western Union Scholars are international students pursuing degrees while balancing other demands, such as working multiple jobs and living abroad without a local family support system. Many applicants shared that without the Western Union Scholarship, they didn’t believe they would be able to remain in school.
“Last year when I was halfway through my bachelor’s degree it became very challenging to save enough to pay for school,” said Raja, 2022-2023 scholarship recipient. “I applied for work authorization due to economic hardship and I got approved. But I still couldn’t earn enough. I can’t describe how great it felt when I was nominated for the Western Union Scholarship. I’ve always wanted to learn mechanical engineering and I feel I am living my best life when I am studying and getting good grades. This contribution to my education will allow me to continue focusing on my studies.”
Western Union Scholars are selected based on their academic standing, personal goals, and level of financial need. The program includes two different cohorts:
-
Western Union Global Scholars supports international students from low-income communities studying in Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, the United States and the United Kingdom—some of the world’s leading destinations for international scholars.
- Project Finish Line supports students who identify as Black, indigenous or a person of color, who are studying in STEM and business fields at accredited post-secondary higher education institutions across the United States, including many historically Black colleges and universities.
“The caliber of students nominated for this cohort of Western Union Scholars was incredible,” said Western Union Foundation Executive Director, Lauren Bell. “There were so many inspiring students who have an unwavering drive to succeed, despite facing many financial hurdles. We are proud to provide scholarships to hard-working and determined students so they can complete their post-secondary education and thrive in today’s workforce.”
The Foundation works with the Institute of International Education (IIE) to accept nominations, select awardees and distribute the scholarships. Interested students must be nominated by a representative from their higher education institution. For more information about the Western Union Scholars program including criteria for scholarships, visit https://www.westernunion.com/blog/en/the-western-union-foundation-announces-52-scholarships-for-2022-2023-year/.
About the Western Union Foundation
The Western Union Foundation’s mission is to create economic opportunity for people who migrate. With more than two decades of impact, we continue to deliver on our mission with Opportunity Beyond Borders, a three-year commitment focused on empowering forcibly displaced and marginalized youth with the training and education needed to succeed in today’s global economy. The Foundation also provides funding for humanitarian efforts for communities in crisis and disaster, one key reason for forced migration. To date, we have funded more than $140 million for projects and scholarships. The Western Union Foundation is a separate, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable corporation and receives support from The Western Union Company, its employees, agents and business partners. Contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible for U.S. income tax purposes. To learn more, visit www.westernunionfoundation.org or follow us on Twitter @TheWUFoundation.
About IIE
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. They work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, they also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide opportunities to underserved populations. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 17 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220907005343/en/
