UC Davis was recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) for ranking 11th among large institutions in the number of Gilman recipients over the past twenty years in the following category: 20-year Overall Top Producer – Large Institution. 282 students from UC Davis received Gilman awards since 2001. 

“UC Davis is honored to be recognized as a historical top producer of Gilman Scholars. Our campus strives to ensure global learning is accessible to all students, and our partnership with Gilman is an embodiment of that commitment. Through collaboration and the support of ECA and the Gilman program, we collectively unlocked the door for hundreds of UC Davis students to learn and have an impact on the world” said Joanna Regulska, Vice Provost and Dean of Global Affairs.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is proud to announce the 20-year anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program and its Top Producing Institutions over the past 20 years. Throughout its 20-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.

This week at the Diversity Abroad conference, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig virtually announced the U.S. colleges and universities that have sent the most Gilman Scholars abroad over the past two decades. These institutions were recognized for their support of equity, diversity, and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.

“I am pleased that so many UC Davis students have been impacted by life-changing study abroad experiences through the Gilman Scholarship. This important program has played a critical role in making study abroad more inclusive through funding students of limited financial means, many of whom are first-generation or from underrepresented backgrounds. I look forward to working with future applicants and am excited to see their continued success” said Scott Palmer, Prestigious Scholarship Advisor, Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships Office.

Based on 20 years of data, the top 20 institutions in four categories are being honored: small, medium, and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. Colleges and universities in twenty-seven states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, are represented, as well as thirty-three Minority Serving Institutions.

As the recent Department of State and Department of Education Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education noted, “All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy.”

To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov and visit www.gilmanscholarship.org. The website includes a full list of the institutions by category, and additional information on the Gilman Program’s 20th anniversary.

The Gilman Scholarship Program is administered at UC Davis through a partnership between the Global Learning Hub, within Global Affairs, and the Financial Aid and Scholarships offices. The UC Davis Undergraduate and Prestigious Scholarships office, part of Financial Aid and Scholarships, provides information, resources, and support services to students for highly competitive, merit-based scholarships and fellowships.

UC Davis hosts informational webinars, writing workshops, and drop-in essay review sessions to help support students applying to the Gilman Scholarship.

About Global Affairs

Global Affairs brings the world to UC Davis, welcoming more than 10,000 international students, scholars and leaders, and hosting programs that inspire global curiosity, understanding and engagement. Compelled by the valuable outcomes of thinking globally, we make transformative opportunities a reality by supporting the thousands of students and faculty learning and researching globally—and by facilitating collaborations that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges through more than 150 global partnerships. Putting our vision of a UC Davis community that engages, thrives, and leads in this interconnected world into action, Global Affairs is in pursuit of an ambitious goal: Global Education for All.