Experiential learning is at the core of the Mary Washington experience, and one of our most popular learning experiences beyond the classroom is our study abroad program. UMW’s study abroad program is just one area that receives support from the newly established Beyond the Classroom Endowment. From participating in groundbreaking research at the University of Geneva, to studying wildlife conservation in the wilderness of Tanzania, these experiences provide students with the opportunity to engage in rigorous academic programs while simultaneously immersing themselves in a different learning environment or culture.
And yet, many students cannot make these opportunities a reality without financial assistance. For #GivingTuesday, we are asking for your support to help students have access to these life-changing opportunities. We have set a $250,000 goal to be met by December 31, 2021, to help make possible travel abroad opportunities for our students this academic year.
Your support of student learning opportunities has been critical to the College of Arts and Sciences as we work towards our long-term goal: growing the Beyond the Classroom Endowment to $1 million. Reaching this goal will enable us to provide approximately $40,000 every year to support high-impact student learning experiences that take our students beyond the classroom, with a quarter of that going directly to study abroad needs.
Your gift will provide support to students in the following activities:
- Study away and study abroad experiences
- High-quality, yet often unpaid, internships
- Independent research projects
- Registration for, and often travel to, conferences to present research findings
- the annual Summer Science Institute research program
