The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and peaceful relations among people of different races, nationalities, ethnicities, and religions while pursuing a program of study at an institution of higher education either here in the USA, or abroad in a foreign country.
If studying abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homeland to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.
If studying in the USA, scholars are expected to be ambassadors for Rotary International, and their sponsoring District. They are also expected to participate in Rotary related activities, either in the local Rotaract or Rotary clubs, such as attending an occasional meeting, or participating in club related activities, as per their schedule allows.
Prospective scholars may apply through a local Rotary club near their home, or through a club in the community where they are attending a college or university, or through a club near where they are employed.
District Ambassadorial Scholarships are awarded for one academic year of study abroad in a specific academic field. Because this scholarship is limited to one academic year of study, recipients may not be able to complete the requirements for degrees, certificates, or diplomas during the study period. Rotary scholarships cannot be combined with another study-abroad program, or used for unsupervised research, medical internship or residency, or for employment on a full-time basis in the host country.
Two different kinds of Rotary District scholarships are currently available:
DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP – a scholarship that is funded by District 6060 funds only.
GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP – a scholarship that is jointly funded by District 6060 funds combined with funds from the World Fund at the Rotary International Foundation.
District-supported scholarship is available for study in any academic field, but preference is given to those whose field of study is related to one of the areas of humanitarian need listed below. Applicants may be a graduate student, or may have completed one or more degrees and/or be engaged in the early stages of a career. There is no upper age limit, but applicants must have completed their Bachelor Degree prior to submitting an application. The program provides for a grant in the amount of up to $15,000 for the 2023-24 Rotary year to pay for tuition, fees, room and board, educational supplies, and round-trip transportation to/from the study site. Scholars must account for all expenditures and must provide funding to cover all costs that exceed the amount provided by Rotary. All unspent funds must be returned to Rotary.
Global Scholarships are supported jointly by District funds and by a Global Grant from the World Fund of the Rotary Foundation. They are available only to applicants whose field of study and career plans pertain directly to one or more of the following seven humanitarian focus areas:
1) Peace and conflict prevention and/or resolution
2) Disease prevention and treatment
3) Water and sanitation
4) Maternal and child health
5) Basic education and literacy
6) Economic and community development
7) Environment
Scholars may qualify for a grant of $30,000 to cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, educational supplies, and round-trip transportation to/from the study site. Scholars must account for all expenditures and must provide funding to cover all costs that exceed the amount provided by Rotary. All unspent funds must be returned to Rotary.
Also Global Grants Scholarship every year for two foreign students to attend Clinton School of Public Service. District 6060 gives $2,000 to $3,000 toward each scholarship.
Applicants seeking a Global Scholarship must complete a two-step process, initially at the District level and then later through the Rotary Foundation. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree program prior to departing for study abroad and plan to pursue graduate study and a career in a clearly defined area of humanitarian need. This Scholarship may extend beyond one (1) term year upon approval from The Rotary Foundation.
Rotary clubs and the District 6060 Scholarship Committee will consider the following in evaluating applicants for a District Scholarship or a Global Scholarship.
The applicant must be able to:
Successfully complete a course of study at an institution of higher education and serve effectively as an ambassador of goodwill
Show a strong record of success in his/her academic field or vocation
Demonstrate fluency in the language of the country of study, if studying abroad.
Articulate a convincing understanding of Rotary’s mission and goals
Possess well-developed communication skills
Produce evidence demonstrating a personal commitment to community service
Articulate well-defined and realistic study and career goals
Explain in concrete terms how he/she will make advances within his/her chosen career field
Show promise of maintaining a lifelong relationship with Rotary after the scholarship period
Applicants for all scholarships will complete the same application form, but those who show promise of obtaining a Global Grant will be asked to complete a supplemental application form and provide additional information at a later time. Normally no more than one District Scholarship award and/or one Global Scholarship are made each year.
The deadline for submitting the completed application to a local club in District 6060 may vary, but will be no later than January 31, of each year. Completed applications should be submitted to the president of a local Rotary club for review and Club Support approval. Applicants are typically interviewed by a small committee of club members. If the applicant is approved at the club level, then the club president will send the endorsed application to the District Scholarship Chair no later than February 28, of each year. The District Scholarship Committee will review all applications and interview all endorsed applicants April 2021 virtually.
Rotarians and relatives of Rotarians are not eligible to apply for a Rotary scholarship. However, members of Rotaract clubs are eligible and encouraged to apply, provided that they meet all other eligibility criteria.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
January 31, annually – deadline for applicants to submit a completed application form to a local Rotary club for endorsement
April 15, annually – deadline for club presidents to mail endorsed applications to the District Scholarship Chair
April annually – interviews of endorsed applicants by the District 6060 Scholarship Committee. (Virtually)
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Club-endorsed applications for Rotary Scholarships must be mailed by club presidents so they arrive no later than April 15, 2023 to:
District Scholarship Chair
2317 Brookwood
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573-335-7620
Download Center
District 6060 Ambassadorial Scholar Application
Scholar Responsibilities
Rotary Foundation Scholar Flyer