Elliott Student Opportunities Fund
An Urgent Need for Greater Access
Alumni of the Elliott School of International Affairs make their mark on the world as trailblazers, leaders, and innovators. In fact, GW was founded to build futures and open doors—for our nation and for the next generation of leaders.
Yet too many aspiring future leaders face financial challenges that stand in the way of success. The mission of the Elliott Student Opportunities Fund is to increase access to the transformative power of a GW Elliott education by providing scholarships and grants to top students with scarce financial resources.
Global Solutions Demand Multiple Perspectives
GW’s Elliott School is committed to bringing the widest possible range of viewpoints and voices to the international affairs community. We prepare the next generation of international affairs experts to tackle complex global challenges with deep insight and a nuanced understanding of cultural norms.
The Elliott Student Opportunities Fund empowers us to recruit and retain top students from all levels of society—students who have the talent to change the world and the knowledge and experience to do so. Opening doors for GW Elliott students today builds a better world for tomorrow.
In addition, the Fund meets a critical need in the international affairs profession: a new generation of global leaders who possess a foundational respect for multiple points of view. Developing this mindset begins in the classroom; a classroom that mirrors these ideals. The Elliott Student Opportunities Fund provides essential resources that ensure we meet our ideals.
The Elliott Student Opportunities Fund allowed me to focus on my academic and professional goals by easing my concerns about financial responsibilities. This award helps open doors for me that I couldn’t open myself.
Anthony Hu, B.A. ’24
How the Elliott Student Opportunities Fund Works
The Elliott Student Opportunities Fund provides undergraduate and graduate supplementary tuition and non-tuition support to outstanding students with critical financial need and who bring the widest possible range of viewpoints and voices to the international affairs community.
The fund offers awards to students with the greatest financial burdens. Awards help with the cost of tuition and related expenses, as well as offering support for on-the-ground learning experiences. Awards may, for example, bridge the gap between a student’s GW financial aid award and the full cost of tuition.
An Elliott Student Opportunities Fund award can make it possible for a student not only to attend the Elliott School, but also to take advantage of learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such interning with global leadership organizations at GW’s doorstep or conducting field research that amplifies classroom learning.
The awards are offered to newly-admitted students and to continuing students. We review applications for awards holistically. The review committee comprises professionals from relevant Elliott School offices in partnership with GW’s Office of Student Financial Assistance.
These awards, as one student said, empower students to “move full steam ahead towards a fruitful career in global affairs.”
I am grateful to the Elliott School for allowing under-represented students like me to have financial support. This fund was integral to my learning and allowed me to build my skills and knowledge in international development. It is truly empowering to know that the Elliott School believes in my hard work and vision for a better future.
Faiqa Khan, M.A. ’23
Applying for an Elliott Student Opportunities Fund Award
Recognizing the interconnectedness of academic excellence and diversity, the ESOF aims to strengthen the Elliott School’s promise to build leaders for the world by promoting a climate of inclusive excellence. We do this by reducing financial barriers to full access to the high-caliber education we offer. Awards are granted for the following needs:
- Tuition assistance
- Textbooks
- Study abroad
- Unpaid internships
- Participation in relevant global conferences, and more.
Application instructions and guidelines will be posted each semester when the application window opens. If you have questions regarding the application process, contact esiagrad
gwu [dot] edu (esiagrad[at]gwu[dot]edu).