5 Pitt students received Gilman Scholarships

Since enrolling at Pitt, Matt Tang has wanted to study internationally, but he hesitated to apply because of the associated costs. Now a junior in the David C. Frederick Honors College and the College of General Studies, he is traveling to South America to participate in the University’s Public Health Threats in Suriname program with the support of a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

He is one of four Pitt students this semester to receive the award, designated to support undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grants with up to $5,000 while they pursue study abroad opportunities.

Because of its diverse makeup, Suriname is an excellent country to practice incorporating cultural sensitivity into public health messaging, said Tang.

“The chance to meet Surinamese locals, learn from this community and create a final case presentation that addresses Suriname’s environmental challenges would provide me with an experiential learning opportunity that will greatly enhance my health communication skills,” said Tang, who’s majoring in health services management and economics and earning certificates in bioethics and public communication of science and technology.

Pitt’s additional 2024 winners and their destinations are:

• Isis Chang, a sophomore in the Dietrich School majoring in biochemistry (Taiwan)
• Leah Dresse, a junior in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences majoring in economics with a certificate in global studies (France)
• Jared Nunez, a junior in the College of Business Administration majoring in finance and business analytics (United Kingdom)
• Alanna Schill, a junior in the Frederick Honors College at Pitt-Greensburg majoring in history and secondary education (Germany)

“Pitt supported me through the Gilman Scholarship application process every step of the way,” Tang said.

All Pitt students can take advantage of services provided by the Office of National Scholarships advisors in the Frederick Honors College, regardless of the school in which they are enrolled. These include expert feedback on application essays, coaching through mock interviews and networking with faculty who can provide applicants with effective recommendation letters.

“There are lots of opportunities out there, but you have to research and dedicate time to your applications,” Tang said.

The next application cycle for the Gilman Scholarship opens in mid-January, with applications due March 6, 2025. Sign up to access more resources via Canvas.