Deadline
November 2nd
Purpose
The Vira I. Heinz Program for Global Leadership (VIH Program) is a powerful leadership development and civic engagement program, providing funding to support a summer study abroad experience and the scaffolding to maximize learning as a result.
The VIH Program prepares awardees for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for global experiences, leadership development and civic engagement. Universities and colleges across Pennsylvania participate in the VIH Program. Students from each of the participating institutions apply, and through a selection process, are admitted into the program. Awardees typically receive up to $8,500 to apply toward the costs of a summer experience that is an approved, credit-bearing, academic, study abroad program of at least 4 weeks over the summer. Additional funding may be available to students in need.
Who is Eligible?
- 3.0 GPA at the time of application
- U.S. Citizen
- Full-time student enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a participating college or university for at least two semesters. This typically means students should successfully complete 24 credits at Pitt or their home university (regardless of AP, high school or transfer credits) and be in at least their second year of study at the time of application.
- Sophomore or junior status when applying
- Participation in VIH Program will be a student’s first academic experience abroad (with an exception for the Arcadia Preview Program). An eligibility requirement is that participation will be a student’s first academic experience abroad. As this award is intended for students with little to no prior international travel experience, true first-time travelers may be prioritized.
- Will return to home campus for the fall semester after studying abroad to allow for follow-on work
- Plan to participate in VIH-specific study abroad experience or attend an approved credit-bearing academic study abroad experience of at least 4 weeks over the summer
- Demonstrated interest, via application materials and interview (if applicable) in VIH thematic areas such as civic participation/community engagement, community service, leadership development
Undergraduate students of any major may apply.
VIH Awardees sign a Letter of Agreement which outlines the full set of expectations in the program for their cohort year. Program specifics may vary year to year.
Max Funding
$8,500.00
More Information
Please see viraheinz.pitt.edu for more information. Deadline may vary year to year, typically falls in early November. Deadline for the summer 2027 cycle is 11:59 pm, November 2.