Community Scholars Travel Fund

The Community Scholars Travel Fund is a dynamic and empowering initiative established to foster academic and personal growth among individuals outside of the academy from Milwaukee, Wisconsin's underserved or economically disadvantaged communities.

In partnership with local organizations, this fund seeks to eliminate barriers to education, facilitate cross-cultural exchanges, and broaden horizons by providing financial support to community scholars who face financial constraints in pursuing travel opportunities.

By offering financial assistance for travel-related expenses, the fund enables these promising scholars to explore academic, cultural, and professional opportunities, ultimately empowering them to become change-makers in Milwaukee.

By empowering scholars to travel and explore new horizons, the fund facilitates cross-cultural understanding, fosters intellectual growth, and strengthens the knowledge-sharing and collaboration network. As scholars return to their communities equipped with newfound knowledge and experiences, they can inspire others to pursue their dreams and aspirations, thus creating a cycle of educational empowerment and community asset development.

The selection process for the fund is thorough and equitable. It involves reviewing applications, evaluating the potential impact of the proposed travel opportunity, reviewing funds available, and assessing the applicant's commitment to personal and community development. Priority is given to individuals who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for learning and a desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

The fund offers scholarships to selected scholars to cover travel-related expenses such as airfare, accommodation, and transportation. The amount of support provided is based on the specific needs of the individual and the nature of the proposed travel opportunity.

Recipients of the travel fund receive one hour of pre-opportunity and one hour of post-opportunity mentorship and guidance from UBUNTU Research and Evaluation staff. This support helps scholars maximize the impact of their travel experiences, align their aspirations with their goals, and make the most of their learning journeys.

The Community Scholars Travel Fund values community involvement and encourages scholars to give back to their communities. Scholars are encouraged to share their experiences, knowledge, and skills with their local communities through workshops, presentations, or community service projects. Scholars awarded funds will write a blog post on UBUNTU Writes about their experience and host a social media event to share their knowledge.

The fund is not limited to supporting academic pursuits alone; it encourages scholars to explore various educational and personal development opportunities. This includes attending conferences, workshops, seminars, study abroad programs, cultural exchanges, and internships.