Mizzou receives State Department IDEAS grant for study abroad

August 2, 2024

The University of Missouri has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of State's Increase and Diversify Education Abroad for U.S. Students (IDEAS) Program. Mizzou is one of 37 U.S. institutions that will use an IDEAS grant to establish, expand or broaden American student mobility overseas.

"We are very honored to receive this grant," said Paulina Brouder, director of study abroad and international partnerships. "It has the potential to transform study abroad and provide access in a truly meaningful way on our campus."

With the IDEAS grant, Mizzou Study Abroad will develop a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Global Advisers Immersion Program. This program will take a group of DEI staff members broad for an immersive cultural experience with lectures and activities similar to what students would encounter during a study abroad experience. These staff members will then serve as a support network for underrepresented students with whom they've already built relationships, leveraging their first-hand international experience to support students seeking global opportunities.

"Mizzou is one of three SEC schools to receive the IDEAS grant, which will work against barriers to students participating in study abroad," said Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies. "Students with international experience become career-ready graduates who can help the state expand our global competitiveness."