The David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad

 

If you are a student who is truly committed to create a meaningful growth opportunity through an international experience, The David Hershberg Scholarship for Summer Study Abroad could be a great fit for you. This scholarship was established in memory of David Hershberg, a Louisville educator, mentor, and guiding force in the creation and development of the Louisville International Cultural Center (now the World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana). Dr. Hershberg was a career faculty member in the Department of Classical and Modern Languages at the University of Louisville and was particularly known for his dedication to student development, mentoring thousands of students over the course of his career. Additionally, Dr. Hershberg served as President of the Board of the Louisville International Cultural Center and as a member of its board of directors until his death in December of 2002.

This annual scholarship awards recipients funds of at least $3,000 to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for a period of at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of academic merit and by the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal, intellectual, and professional career goals.

The scholarship is administered by the World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana, a non-profit member-based organization whose mission is to promote cross-cultural awareness, education and tolerance through nonpartisan discussions on current international issues.

WHAT IS THE DAVID HERSHBERG SCHOLARSHIP?

An annual scholarship that awards recipients funds of at least $3,000 to be used to help defray the costs of international travel, lodging, and maintenance for a period of at least 21 days of study or research outside the United States. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of their academic merit and on the importance of their proposed study/research abroad experience for their personal, intellectual, and professional career goals.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS AWARD?

The purpose of this award is (1) to enable the recipient to have an international experience of at least 21 days outside the United States as part of his/her educational development and (2) to provide an opportunity for the recipient to further his/her knowledge of cultures, languages, and societies in other parts of the world.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Eligibility for this grant is limited to any full-time, degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a degree program at any accredited institution of higher learning in Metro Louisville or the counties contiguous to Metro Louisville in both Kentucky and Southern Indiana.

This grant is also available to any full-time, degree-seeking student whose permanent residence is within the aforementioned areas but attends an accredited institution of higher learning outside the aforementioned areas (see below).

LIST OF COUNTIES THAT QUALIFY:

Kentucky:

  • Bullitt

  • Hardin

  • Henry

  • Jefferson

  • Meade

  • Nelson

  • Oldham

  • Shelby

  • Spencer

  • Trimble

Southern Indiana:

  • Crawford

  • Clark

  • Floyd

  • Harrison

  • Jefferson

  • Scott

  • Washington

WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Online applications are due by 4:00 PM on Monday, February 24, 2025 and all other materials are due 4:00 PM on Friday, February 28, 2025. Late materials and incomplete applications will not be accepted.

Awards will be announced in mid-March for educational activities to take place between May and September of 2024

HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE HERSHBERG SCHOLARSHIP?

To apply for The David Hershberg Scholarship, candidates must submit all appropriate documentation to WAC which is to be received by 4:00 PM on February 28, 2025.

The following materials should be submitted via the Google Form above. Your name and contact information should not appear in any of these documents.

  • A resume indicating relevant academic and work experience plus any previous international experiences.  The resume should not contain your name our contact information.

  • A personal statement (maximum 500 words) explaining the reasons for wishing to study abroad and outlining what the candidate hopes to achieve by participating in this program. The committee looks for creative programs that can make a positive contribution to society as well as to their academic program and career path.

  • A project description of the educational activities to be pursued during the summer, e.g., research project, a language study program, work internship, course enrollment, or other. Applicants who only propose taking a set international course will receive a lower consideration by the committee.  The committee is looking for applicants who are committed to significant work that will result in an experience that is truly meaningful.  Sometimes an applicant might propose a combination of taking a set course, but then also adding a significant separate self-developed component.

  • A travel itinerary and estimated budget, specifying additional sources of funding to which the candidate will have access and/or for which they intend to apply.

  • One (1) copy of each of the following materials should also be sent to the World Affairs Council. Your name must appear on these documents. Any necessary redaction will be done by us.

  • Two (2) recommendation forms, at least one of which should be an academic reference on university letterhead. Forms may be sent two ways: 1) directly emailed as a hand-signed (NOT digital) PDF file from the email of the recommender, or 2) submitted in a sealed envelope and sent separately by the recommender to the address below. Please note that recommendation forms must be received by no later than the deadline. Faxed or e-mailed letters will NOT be accepted. Here is the link to the recommendation form to have filled out: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eSBk9lKhS2AfwquBvyqP4p2jUskOE2m3bymqrka9WGs/edit

  • OFFICIAL transcripts of all post-secondary education issued from university registrars. Transcripts are to be mailed directly from the university registrar offices in a sealed envelope to the address below:

ATTN:

The David Hershberg Scholarship
World Affairs Council
223 South 5th Street, 2nd Floor
Louisville, KY 40202

Selected recipients of the David Hershberg Scholarship are required to prepare a 10-15 minute video or PowerPoint presentation of their overseas experiences and present it at a World Affairs Council of Kentucky and Southern Indiana-sponsored event.

WHERE DO I SEND MY APPLICATION?

Applications should be submitted electronically, but transcripts and letters of recommendation must be received by mail.

  • Electronically submit your application through the Google Form. The form will only accept documents as PDFs.

  • By Mail send us your letters of recommendation (optional) and official transcripts:
    ATTN: The David Hershberg Scholarship
    World Affairs Council of Kentucky & Southern Indiana
    223 South 5th Street, 2nd Floor
    Louisville, KY 40202