ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, the Western Union Foundation awarded 174 scholarships to post-secondary students resident in 64 countries as a part of the WU Scholars Program*. The global program is focused on supporting students around the world who are pursuing a post-secondary education in the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), business and entrepreneurship.
The WU Scholars Class of 2017 represents 65 countries, 153 colleges and universities, and 65 percent of recipients are female. Each student will receive USD $2,500 (or local currency equivalent) to contribute toward tuition or school fees at the accredited post-secondary institution where they are enrolled.
“The WU Scholars Program really brings to life the Foundation’s belief in the power of education,” said Elizabeth Roscoe, Executive Director of the Western Union Foundation. “Each scholarship recipient has demonstrated a relentless pursuit for education and a passion to build a better world. We are grateful to those WU agents who have helped sponsor the program and are giving these students the chance to do great things.”
Earlier this year, in honor of International Women’s Day, the Western Union Foundation first launched the WU Scholars Program, pledging to award a minimum of 100 scholarships, along with matching Agent contributions. The Western Union Foundation matched 23 Western Union agent contributions dollar-for-dollar to sponsor additional students, bringing the total to 174 scholarship recipients. WU Scholars Program Agent contributors include: GraceKennedy Financial Services, Grupo Vimenca, Community Financial Service Centers (CFSC), Petnet Inc., Bangkok Bank Ltd., Sogexpress, Capital Transfert, Universal Storefront Services Corporation, and Pay-O-Matic Check Cashing & Financial Services.
The WU Scholars Class of 2017 was selected based on their accomplishments and goals related to the program’s three pillars: perseverance, aspiration, and community. Applications for the 2018 WU Scholars Program will open in March. Watch the WU Scholars video and learn how to apply at www.WUScholars.org.
*The program is administered and operated by the Institute of International Education, Inc. (IIE), a US private not-for-profit leader in the international exchange of people and ideas.
About The Western Union Foundation
The Western Union Foundation is dedicated to creating a better world, where the ability to realize dreams through economic opportunity is not just a privilege for the few but a right for all. Through its signature program, Education for Better, and with the support of The Western Union Company, its employees, agents, and business partners, The Western Union Foundation works to realize this vision by supporting education and disaster relief efforts as pathways toward a better future. Our combined social ventures efforts make life better for individuals, families and communities around the world. The Western Union Foundation has paid more than $111 million in charitable giving since its inception in 2001. These funds have been pledged in more than 137 countries and territories. The Western Union Foundation is a separate charitable corporation that is tax-exempt under §501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, contributions to which are tax-deductible for US income tax purposes. To learn more, visit www.westernunionfoundation.org, or Follow us on Twitter @TheWUFoundation.
