Grant enables Wright State students to get their passport, study abroad

Traveling and studying abroad can be difficult and sometimes impractical for students, especially if they come from a disadvantaged or marginalized group. Thanks to support from the Institute of International Education Inc., Wright State University is changing that.

Wright State’s University Center for International Education received a $4,125 grant to assist Pell Grant-eligible first-year students to obtain passports, enabling them to travel internationally.

The University Center for International Education also houses a U.S. Passport Acceptance Facility, which is open to students, faculty, staff and local residents and helped facilitate the grants and U.S. passport processing for the students.

Mikey Riggs, a vocal performance major, looks forward to traveling to France in May with Wright State’s French Ambassador Program. He plans to add a French minor to his studies.

“I think it is such an amazing opportunity to be able to travel globally in general, let alone as a musician,” Riggs said. “I think having a passport will allow me to have some more freedom and opens up a very large number of opportunities in other countries, especially when I am considering a master’s degree at an international school. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to go to France.”

Riggs’ dream is to perform a French piece in France as an American singer. To do this, he will use his opera singer training and the International Phonetics Alphabet, which makes learning pronunciation easier.

Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, first-year students, 18 or older, eligible for a Pell Grant, and fall under one of the following categories: racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ students, gender diverse students, first-generation students, students with disabilities, students with demonstrated financial need, veterans, nontraditional-age students, students who have never traveled abroad, or other historically marginalized or underrepresented identities in study abroad.

Anna Hedges, who is also a vocal performance major, said finances have been a barrier to traveling abroad and the grant has helped.

“I want to travel the world as much as I can,” Hedges said. “It definitely would have been a challenge to get the passport without the funding. Both the scholarship and the smooth application process helped me take one step further towards taking my next trip. I am very thankful for this scholarship, and the people who enable it to reach young dreamers like me.”

Traveling internationally will enable Hedges to study other forms of singing and vocal performance such as opera and choirs.

“I hope to do a lot of international travel to join different companies and ensembles. I believe international travel is essential for me as a performer so that I can become well-rounded, well-cultured, and well-versed in a variety of languages and music.” Hedges said. “I am excited for everything. I love learning about new cultures, trying new food, seeing beautiful places, and definitely hearing new music.”

AJ Allen, a psychology major, said the grant enabled her to get her passport for free, which helped her save money for traveling abroad. Allen said her desire to travel was sparked by a travel literature class taught by Bobby Rubin, a senior lecturer of English.

“I think international travel can be incredibly valuable by giving me a point of view of the world that can only come from specific experiences,” Allen said. “I would be thrilled to travel internationally, particularly in a way that will benefit the locals of the area where I am traveling.”

Nina Wells, a liberal arts major, said she was incredibly happy with the support she received from the grant. Wells hopes to travel abroad to expand her horizons and learn more about the world around her. She plans to study abroad in Spain.

“I’m most excited about immersing myself in a brand-new culture, polishing up my Spanish, diving into academic challenges, savoring delicious new cuisines and embracing a whole new way of life,” Wells said. “My passport is a ticket to making those dreams a reality.”

“The grant was a game-changer for me in support of pursuing my academic and career goals,” Wells said. “I truly hope the grant becomes a beacon for other students, staff and faculty. Let’s turn dreams into travel realities for everyone.”

Learn more about U.S. passport services at Wright State at wright.edu/international-education/faculty-travel/us-passport-services or by calling 937-775-5745.