Africa Student Fund

The USC Africa Student Fund is a scholarship intended to support undergraduate student travel to African countries for study, research, service-based learning and internships. Students who have identified a project or program are invited to apply with this funding in mind. Winners may receive full or partial funding to help cover airfare costs associated with their proposed project or program.

Since its inception in 2010 with an inaugural gift of $100,000 from Adam Clayton Powell III, the Africa Student Fund has supported students representing various USC Schools in their travel to African countries.

Eligibility

In order to receive the Africa Student Fund, you must:

Have minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA
Be enrolled as an undergraduate student
- Open to all majors and disciplines
Have at least one semester of coursework remaining at USC after your proposed travel
- Graduating seniors in their final semester (that will complete their degree before the start of their travel) are not eligible
Submit a request before the start of your travel, in alignment with the appropriate application cycle
Propose an itinerary with a minimum in-country stay of 10 days, though funding preferences are given to applicants who intend to stay in-country for three weeks or longer.
Hold a valid passport (U.S. or international) at time of proposed travel.
USC-sponsored travel health insurance is a requirement for all students traveling abroad.
Complete the Independent Student Travel Registration at least 8 weeks prior to travel and sign all required forms (if applicable)
- Completing the Independent Student Travel Registration also enrolls you in mandatory USC-sponsored travel health insurance for the duration of your travel abroad. Students studying abroad on a program administered by USC will complete the required forms and obtain insurance through their respective programs.

Important Note: Per USC policy, USC may restrict University-related travel by students to destinations with U.S. Department of State (DOS) travel warnings, Center for Disease Control (CDC) warnings, or other indicators that might suggest conditions are unhealthy or particularly dangerous for travel. Regions with a DOS Level 3: Reconsider Travel or Level 4: Do Not Travel will not be approved by the University.

Dates & Deadlines

Application Timeline

Typically, the online application is available in October and February each year. A select group or recipients will be chosen during each application period.

There are two application cycles. You must apply in the appropriate cycle:

[Application Cycle 1] Applications submitted in the Fall (November deadline) are for Winter Break and Spring study abroad consideration only.
[Application Cycle 2] Applications submitted in the Spring (March deadline) are for Summer and Fall study abroad consideration only.

Award Details

The online application process includes:

Personal Statement
- Your personal statement should address the following:
  - How has your background such as personal history, professional experience, academic and leadership experience, etc. shaped you, and how has it informed why you are applying to this award?
  - How does your proposed experience connect to your future goals?
- Format:
  - maximum one page single-spaced, Times New Roman 12-pt font
Statement of Grant Purpose
- Your Statement of Grant Purpose should address the following:
  - What is the purpose of your travel?
  - How have your previous academic, leadership and/or professional experiences prepared you for this opportunity?
  - What deliverables do you intend to produce as a result of this opportunity? (e.g. capstone project, published research paper, portfolio, conference presentation)
  - If you are part of a study abroad program, what are your plans for civic engagement and/or community impact outside of the classroom experience? Why do you want to gain a better understanding of the peoples and cultures in your host country? (Note: Simply participating in a pre-arranged study abroad program is not competitive enough for funding)
  - If you are participating in a Maymester, Julymester, or other faculty-led research, what specific contributions will you make as an individual to the project?
- Format:
  - maximum one page single-spaced, Times New Roman 12-pt font
1-page Resume / C.V.
1 Letter of Recommendation
- Letters should be written on official USC letterhead by USC faculty or staff who are either directly involved in your travel experience or can speak to how your trip to Africa will contribute to your future learning. Recommenders should email the letter to Academic Honors and Fellowships at ahfstaff@usc.edu by the deadline.
Verification Documents OR Affiliation Letter
- If you are participating in a study abroad program or internship, you must provide official documents verifying your acceptance into the program.
- If you are conducting an independent research or volunteer service trip, you must submit a letter of affiliation from the individual(s) or organization in the host country. The affiliate(s) should confirm that they will support you during your time abroad (e.g. access to research facilities, lodging, supervision, etc.)

Note: If you are applying for a project you are attending as a group, each member needs to fill out their own application for funding. Funding is provided to individuals, not groups.

Application closes Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Apply

Within one month of their return to the United States, award recipients are required to submit the following:

Reflective essay detailing the value of their experience in Africa.
- Please include as part of your reflection:
  - What knowledge and skills did you gain from your experience?
  - What did you learn about yourself and others from this experience?
  - How did this trip challenge you intellectually, personally, professionally, etc?
  - How has this experience transformed how you see the world?
  - In your application for funding, you told us about your future goals and aspirations. Have those changed at all as a result of this experience?
- Format:
  - 1-2 pages single-spaced Times New Roman 12-pt font

Thank you note addressed to Adam Clayton Powell III, who endowed the fund.
Travel receipts for awardees to receive reimbursement.