KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee Parents Association has funded two new scholarships exemplifying the initiatives set forth in the university’s Quality Enhancement Plan, which focuses on broadening students’ knowledge and experience with cultures other than their own.
The Parents Association International Internship Scholarship and the Parents Association Programs Abroad Scholarship are scholarship programs that will grant funds donated by parents to the students of association members for overseas internship opportunities or study abroad programs. The application deadline for both scholarships is March 1, 2006.
PAIIS is the first scholarship of its kind at UT.
All money granted to a student through this program is intended to supplement the costs of an international internship, including but not limited to tuition, books and supplies and health insurance. The scholarship is not limited to one company or organization, so numerous opportunities around the globe are available to students receiving this scholarship.
PAPAS grants go to students who want to participate in study abroad programs. “This scholarship is also unique at UT because few scholarships offer students money for study abroad opportunities without requiring them to qualify for academic credit,” said Abe Brown, interim director of the Parents Association.
“Thanks to the QEP, significant resources are being dedicated to provide opportunities for our students to experience, learn and appreciate the spectrum of cultures in today’s global environment,” said Brown.
“Today we are living and working among nationalities, ethnicities and cultures that may be very different from our own. Today’s college students will develop into tomorrow’s leaders of a multi-cultural environment. Parents Association members support the goals of the QEP and have funded these scholarships so students may experience additional international opportunities.”
The Parents Association is a relatively new organization at UT. In its third year, the association already has more than 3,000 members and has grown by 50 percent each year, Brown said.
“The mission of the UT Parents Association is to support the development of UT students and their families,” said Brown.
In addition to the international scholarships, association members fund a general scholarship. The Parents Association also sponsors a Family Weekend during fall semester. Members receive discounts from participating hotels, restaurants, rental car agencies and airlines through the STA Travel agency, located on campus in the University Center.
Association administrators also are developing a shared ride program for members across the state to carpool to Knoxville for visits. They hope to implement this program in the near future.
Parents Association membership is open to all parents of UT undergraduate students. Parents can join on an annual basis or for the academic career of their child. For additional membership information visit http://parents.utk.edu.
—
Contact:
Parents Association, (865) 974-4546 or parents@utk.edu
Beth Gladden, (865-974-9008) or beth.gladden@tennessee.edu
###