The summer proved to be an exciting time for one Mississippi Valley State University Engineering Technology major.
Kayla Johnson, an Itta Bena native, first learned that she was a prestigious David L. Boren Scholar and named an alternate for the Boren Scholarship. Later, Johnson was awarded the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
The scholarship is a part of a competitive program that enables students to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to America's national security and economic prosperity.
Johnson was scheduled to start her study abroad in Kazakhstan for the 2020 Academic year, but due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, she will study between June-July of 2021.
Johnson said waiting for the opportunity has allowed her more time to think about things and get comfortable with the concept of studying abroad.
"I have been working a job and going to school," she said. I am excited about the opportunity to experience how getting an education in another country is different from in the United States. During this experience, I will interact with new people and gain opportunities that will benefit me in the future," Johnson added.
The Gilman Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.
Gilman scholars are also eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if specific criteria are met.
Dr. Lokesh Shivakumaraiah, MVSU's Executive Director of International Relations, explained the focus of his department.
"At the Office of International Programs, we strongly encourage more and more MVSU students to take advantage of these prestigious national scholarship opportunities. We will be happy to guide them on how to build a strong profile and successful application," he explained.
Gilman alumni can receive a job offer with as little as an open position and a résumé that reflects the necessary experience and education for an agency.
"I am very proud of Ms. Johnson for her accomplishments. She is not only a recipient of the Gilman Scholarship but also a Boren Scholarship alternate. These are great accomplishments and add to her dynamic resume. She will now be able to do her Engineering Technology internship and study the Russian language at Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in Central Asia," said Shivakumaraiah.
"Upon the completion of her Study Abroad program, she will also have an opportunity to work with the U.S. Federal Government for at least one year anywhere in the world, including the United States," he added.
Interested students can contact Dr. Shivakumaraiah at Lokesh@mvsu.edu for more information and virtual advising.