Iowa State University Unveils $25,000 Annual Scholarships for Sub-Saharan African Students Pursuing Food Security Courses

Iowa State University is thrilled to unveil its scholarship initiative, the Borel Global Fellows Program, designed to empower students from Sub-Saharan Africa pursuing graduate studies within the College of Agriculture and Life Science. In collaboration with the generous scholarship fund established by ISU alumni Jim and Marcia Borel in 2018, this program is poised to make a significant impact on addressing food and nutrition insecurity in the region.

The primary objective of the Borel Global Fellows Program is to foster a cadre of educated scientists at Iowa State University who will serve as knowledge leaders dedicated to enhancing food security, promoting wealth, and improving health for subsistence farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. With a maximum scholarship amount of $25,000 per year allocated for each student, the program aims to cover graduate student stipends, emphasizing the importance of education in effecting positive change.

To be eligible for the Borel Global Fellows Program, prospective candidates must meet specific criteria. Firstly, they need to secure admission to a graduate program within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State University. Additionally, applicants must hold citizenship in a Sub-Saharan African country, exemplifying the university’s commitment to fostering regional talent.

Moreover, candidates are required to pledge their dedication to completing graduate studies with a focus on contributing to a career centered around food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. An essential aspect of the program is that the majority of the graduate research conducted by participants should take place within the Sub-Saharan African region, reinforcing the program’s commitment to addressing local challenges at their source.

Furthermore, applicants must express a genuine intention to work and reside in Sub-Saharan Africa post-graduation, underscoring the program’s emphasis on creating a sustainable impact within the region. By encouraging students to return to their home countries, the Borel Global Fellows Program seeks to amplify the long-term positive effects of the scholarship.

The funding details of the program stipulate that each student selected for the scholarship will receive a maximum of $25,000 per year. This financial support can be utilized to cover graduate student stipends, which may take the form of a partial stipend and research funding, thereby offering flexibility to cater to diverse academic needs.

The duration of the scholarship is designed to accommodate the different timelines of Master’s and Ph.D. programs. Master’s students may benefit from the scholarship for up to 30 months, while Ph.D. students can enjoy support for up to 42 months. This extended timeframe reflects the program’s commitment to nurturing a comprehensive educational experience that allows students to delve deep into their research areas.

In a move that sets the Borel Global Fellows Program apart, travel funding is also included as part of the scholarship package. Both the student and their advisor will receive financial support for travel to and from Africa for research purposes. This provision aims to facilitate hands-on, on-the-ground research experiences, enabling students to directly engage with the challenges and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Prospective candidates interested in applying for the Borel Global Fellows Program should be prepared to submit a comprehensive application. This includes a cover letter from the major professor, the student’s curriculum vitae (CV), and a copy of the student’s statement of purpose. The major professor’s cover letter is crucial, as it demonstrates their commitment to providing additional necessary funding, which may cover tuition, fees, and research costs.

To streamline the application process, a specific deadline has been set for submissions—January 15th annually. This deadline ensures that interested students have a defined timeframe to prepare and submit their applications. The application, including all required documents, should be sent to Dr. David Acker, the Associate Dean for Global Engagement, whose contact information is provided for ease of submission.

In conclusion, the Borel Global Fellows Program at Iowa State University stands as a beacon of opportunity for students from Sub-Saharan Africa. Through this scholarship initiative, the university not only invests in individual education but also contributes to the larger goal of fostering sustainable development in the region. By nurturing a community of scholars dedicated to addressing food and nutrition insecurity, the program aspires to create lasting positive change in Sub-Saharan Africa.