J. Scott Van Der Meid Memorial Scholarship Grant

J. Scott Van Der Meid Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Fund For Education Abroad
Amount: US $1,000 - US $5,000
Last Updated: November 28, 2025

Summary

The J. Scott Van Der Meid Memorial Scholarship, established by the Fund for Education Abroad, honors a dedicated advocate for underrepresented students in international education. This scholarship provides financial support of up to $5,000 for U.S. undergraduates pursuing study abroad programs, emphasizing diversity and inclusion. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled in a U.S. institution. It continues Scott's legacy of promoting access to global education opportunities.

Overview

Welcome to Fund For Education Abroad Scholarships The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students with financial need who face barriers to participation in education abroad. FEA awards up to $5,000 for a fall or spring semester abroad, with a minimum of $1,000 for short-term programs. J. Scott Van Der Meid Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is established in memory of J. Scott Van Der Meid, a long-time supporter of FEA, and beloved husband, son, colleague, and friend. Scott’s experiences studying abroad as a high school student in Germany and as an undergraduate in Japan were formative. Scott was a pioneer in developing advising strategies to support underrepresented students, for example the LGBTQ community and students of diverse ethnic, cultural and faith backgrounds. He influenced positive change in the field of international education, both at Brandeis University where he worked as Associate Dean of Study Abroad, and as a dedicated volunteer to numerous boards, advisory councils, and committees of educational organizations and institutions. In honor of Scott, his family, friends, and colleagues are establishing this scholarship to continue his legacy of advocating for underrepresented students and increasing diversity in study abroad. This scholarship will be available to deserving U.S. undergraduates attending a study abroad program of any length. All U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. who meet FEA’s general eligibility requirements are eligible to apply.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible for an FEA scholarship, you must:Be at least 18 years of ageBe a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipientBe enrolled as an undergraduate at U.S. institution of higher education at the time of application Receive credit at your home institution for your intended study abroad programHave never previously studied abroad as an undergraduate or in high schoolHave demonstrated financial need (see below)FEA determines financial need based on information from the most recent FAFSA. You are eligible for an FEA scholarship with regard to financial need if any of the following apply:Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is below 20000You are eligible for a Pell GrantYou have taken out any amount of loans for the current academic yearAll U.S. citizens or permanent residents currently enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. are eligible to apply.

Ineligibility

High school and graduate students are not eligible