Global Grants Scholarships
Our district has regularly awarded global grant scholarships (previously known as vocational scholarships and before that ambassadorial scholarships) to talented young people who are embarking on post-graduate study overseas. The scholarships are funded equally by the Rotary Foundation, from our district designated funds and the International fund. Global grant scholarships require the course of study to be related to one of the Rotary Foundation’s seven areas of focus.
2020 and Covid-19 interrupted this programme with our 2019 scholar returning early from Canada and Rotary banning all grant funded travel. Our district’s programme was also impacted by a shortage of funds, stemming from a drop in Foundation giving three years ago.
Resumption of the programme will depend on lifting travel restrictions and future availability of funds so it may be another year before we can contemplate resuming the programme. There is little point in awarding funds to a candidate who is unable to travel to that person’s chosen university and participate in the overseas experience.
Rotary Clubs have a role to play in the process as each candidate must be endorsed by a club before being considered in the District’s competitive process. If you receive an approach from a prospective candidate, the best course of action is to refer their enquiry to Dave Appleyard (Hutt Valley Club) and to encourage your members to support the Rotary Foundation with their contributions this month.
