Akira Crawford, a junior psychology major at Virginia State University, has been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to participate in a study abroad program during the spring 2013 academic term.  Crawford, of Newark, NJ, is one of over 1,000 outstanding American undergraduate students to earn a Gilman Scholarship.

Crawford will travel to Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in a research-based, service-learning program to explore socioeconomic issues that impact South African communities and demographic groups.  In addition to studying research methods used by social scientists, including data collection and analysis, she will learn the isiXhosa language to enhance engagement with the local community.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad program costs. A limited number of Critical Need Language Scholarships are given each year for a total award of $8,000. Scholarship recipients gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies. This immersion better prepares recipients to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.