More than 750 university students from some 60 countries have
been selected to study abroad during the 2008-09 academic year
through a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship. Designed
to bridge cultures and encourage goodwill, the scholarships are one
of Rotary’s leading efforts to promote world peace and
understanding.
Ambassadorial Scholarships provide students the opportunity to
study in one of the almost 200 countries and geographical regions
where Rotary clubs are active. While abroad, scholars speak to
Rotary clubs and districts, schools, civic organizations, and other
forums where they act as “ambassadors of goodwill” and participate
in community service.
Nearly 800 recipients from 70 countries studied in more than 60
nations in 2007-08 at a cost of US$15 million.
Top universities sending 2008-09 scholars abroad were:
- Northwestern University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (11 scholars each)
- United States Naval Academy (10 scholars)
- University of Pennsylvania, University of Florida (6 scholars each)
Rotary’s Ambassadorial Scholarships program is the world’s largest
privately-sponsored international scholarship program. Focused on
humanitarian service, personal diplomacy, and academic
excellence, the university-level program has sponsored more than
38,000 Rotary Scholars since 1947.
Alumni include Paul Volcker Jr, Chairman of the Federal Reserve,
Philip Lader Former US Ambassador to the United Kingdom, David
Mulford, US Ambassador to India, and Roger Ebert, popular Film
Critic.