Funding Your Future: National Scholarships, Fellowships & Study Abroad Opportunities at MTSU

In this Honors College Lecture Series session, Laura Clippard, MTSU’s National Scholarships and Fellowships Coordinator, provides an in‑depth guide to the many competitive opportunities available to students — from study abroad funding to major national awards for research, public service, STEM, and graduate study.

The session features guest speaker Hannah Ferreira, a Gilman‑McCain Scholar, who shares her firsthand experience studying abroad in Austria through an MTSU Signature Program. She discusses the application process, scholarship strategies, budgeting, and how the Gilman program made international study accessible.

Topics covered include:
How to match your interests with national and international scholarships
Study abroad funding (Gilman, Gilman‑McCain, Freeman‑Asia, MTSU Signature Program awards)
Undergraduate research grants (EURECA, SURF, national REUs)
Graduate school fellowships (Phi Kappa Phi, McCall MacBain, DAAD, Gates Cambridge)
Language and cultural programs (Critical Language Scholarship, Fulbright, JET, Spain ETA)
Tips for writing strong personal statements and securing recommendation letters
How to start early, build your story, and become a competitive applicant

Whether you’re planning to study abroad, pursue research, apply to graduate school, or explore international service, this session offers practical advice and real examples to help you take the next step.

🎓 Presented by: The University Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University National Scholarships & Fellowships Office