The Institute for Shipboard Education established the Presidential Scholars program to identify and support high-achieving students wishing to enhance their global perspective and better understand their vital role as a global citizen.
Presidential Scholars are expected to further the mission of the Institute during and subsequent to their voyage. In return for their commitment to the program, Presidential Scholars receive full scholarships that cover tuition, room, and board for spring and fall semester voyages.
The Semester at Sea Presidential Scholars program will award up to 50 full scholarships between the inaugural program on the Fall 2011 voyage and the celebration of the Institute’s 50th anniversary in 2013. Scholars will be selected based on academic achievement (as evidenced by exceptional grade point average and faculty letters of reference), leadership qualities (as evidenced by the degree of engagement in campus and community), and commitment to education and global citizenship (as evidenced by written responses to essay questions).
Fall 2011 Presidential Scholars
On May 6, 2011, the Institute for Shipboard Education announced the first nine Presidential Scholars.
- Natanael Burgos – Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
- Laura Goydich – University of Georgia
- Martha Groppo – University of Kentucky
- Natasa Kurucki – University of Novi Sad, Serbia
- Kamel Lovejoy – New England College
- Brian Morris – Radford University
- Mobasshir Poonawalla – University of California – Berkeley
- James Wykowski – University of San Diego
- Jenna Zerker – Dartmouth College
These students showed impressive scholastic achievements, with an average GPA of 3.82, as well as an interest in and commitment to Semester at Sea’s global education mission.
Spring 2012 Presidential Scholarships
Students interested in the Spring 2012 Semester at Sea voyage are encouraged to apply for Semester at Sea in time to be admitted and confirmed by the Presidential Scholarship application deadline of September 9, 2011.
