The Newsletter of the UNCF Special Programs Corporation

The

UNCF SpeCial programS CorporatioN

6402 arliNgtoN Blvd, SUite 600, FallS ChUrCh, va 22042 (703) 677-3400

Volume IV, Issue I I , Winter 2010

“UNCFSP Unveils Top Study Abroad Destinations”

UNCFSP engages minority students in Global Affairs through study abroad opportunities that allow them to travel across several continents. Take a look inside The Portal to find out the top study abroad destinations of 2010! > Page 10

Inside The Portal

Front Page » Connect to UNCFSP

UNCFSP Initiatives......... » President’s Corner

» Much at Stake for U.S. Educational

Institutions

» Eliminating Disparity in Higher Education

Through Collaboration

» UNCFSP Teams with Tribal Colleges to

Address National Need

» HBCU Presidents Travel to Turkey

Recent Grants & Awards....................... » Building International Capacity at MSIs One

Faculty Member at a Time

» Financial Literacy Fattens Pockets and Helps

Build Wealth

Student Spotlights....................... » From Shanghai to Azerbijan

UNCFSP Opportunities... » UNCFSP Opens Door to Health Database

Education

» UNCFSP & NLM Welcome New PIs

» Access is the Key for Minority Students

» UNCFSP Bolsters Minority STEM Success

UNCFSP Spotlights......... » Top UNCFSP Study Abroad Destinations

» International Photo Contest

Back Cover .................... » This Issue’s Highlights

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Connect To UNCFSPFor more than 10 years, UNCF Special Programs Corporation (UNCFSP) has delivered innovative programming to promote the success of underrepresented students, faculty, and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). With the advent of social media and its far-reaching communication capabilities, UNCFSP constituents now have direct access to detailed information about the transformative work that takes place through the corporation’s programs and opportunities.

In the areas of capacity building, workforce development and global affairs, constituents can find internship, fellowship, and training workshops on the corporate website and through other traditional outlets. With burgeoning social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, sharing information and building awareness about the opportunities at UNCFSP become even more effortless and up-to-the-minute.

UNCFSP also has a Youtube page, a LinkedIn group, and a company profile on Podbean to feature upcoming podcasts. The UNCFSP blog, featured on the corporation’s website, highlights topics of interest that range from faculty and student opportunities, new developments, and constituent spotlights. UNCFSP looks to invite its constituents as guest bloggers to discuss issues integral to the minority higher education community. Watch also for “A Day in the Life,” a series that showcases the unique opportunities UNCFSP has to offer.

UNCFSP values social media as a two-way form of communication with its target audience as a means to exchange user-generated content with faculty, students, businesses, and government agencies. Be sure to connect to UNCFSP online and connect to your success.

Connect to us: www.uncfsp.org

As 2010 comes to an end, we have to look back as we simultaneously look forward. I am thrilled by the exciting projects and programs in which we have seen success. This year we fine-tuned our online application system, supported numbers of students during their study abroad, and helped faculty build capacity at their home

institutions. There is much more growth on our immediate horizon and we are confident that in 2011 we will make even more significant strides to promote the higher education community that we so proudly serve.

One of the avenues we are taking for the coming year is the creation of a research and development consortium to link institutions, small and large businesses, and government agencies and make the most of our nation’s talented scientists, researchers, and engineers. Keep up with this and other new developments by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Watch our educational and training videos and also share in the stories that highlight our efforts to eliminate disparity in the higher education community. Look for our webinars, podcasts, and blog updates that engage you—our constituents, collaborators, and customers—in issues that motivate and inspire.

Enter The Portal and learn in more detail about the internships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities that are currently available. We strive for 2011 to serve you even better with constant innovation as we uphold our role as an advocate for the minority higher education community and the facilitator of future collaborations with government and industry. Share this newsletter with colleagues and support us in our efforts to help faculty and students continue to connect to their success.

UNCFSP STAFF

Aaron R. AndrewsPresident & CEO

Michael J. HesterVice President & COO

Denée F. McKnightChief Financial Officer

Ava J. MortonDirector, Human Resources

Moshe Landman, J.D.Director, Knowledge Systems

Nicholas BasseyDirector, Center for Global Affairs

Sonya L. Greene, Ph.D. Director, Workforce Development

Jacqueline Madry-Taylor, Ed.D.Chief Research Officer

Robyn L. Watson, Ph.D.Director, Capacity Building

UNCFSP BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Michael L. LomaxChairman of the BoardPresident & CEO United Negro College Fund, Inc. Dr. Belinda C. AndersonPresident (retired)Virginia Union University

Ms. Joyce BrayboyVice PresidentThe Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Rev. Dr. Floyd H. FlakeSenior PastorGreater Allen A.M.E. Church

Mr. Steven L. GibsonPresidentChesGroup, L.L.C.

Ms. Lynn MartinPresidentMartin Hall Group, Inc.

Mr. Anthony K. MitchellVice PresidentBooz Allen Hamilton, Inc.

Dr. Hazel O’LearyPresidentFisk University

Dr. Henry N. TisdalePresidentClaflin University

Mr. Hansel E. Tookes IIIPresident (retired)Raytheon International Dr. Dorothy C. YancyInterim PresidentShaw University Mr. Irving B. YoskowitzSenior CounselDickstein Shapiro L.L.C.

President’s Corner

UNCFSp:SUPPORTING ADVANCEMENT IN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

Aaron R. AndrewsPresident & CEO

Much At Stake for U.S. Educational Institutions

“For me, it’s a massive wake-up call. Have we ever been satisfied as Americans being average in anything? Is that our aspiration? Our goal should be absolutely to lead the world in education.” ---Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s comments in The Washington Post

With ten years of experience in training minority students, faculty, and institutions in high need areas, UNCFSP has been developing the opportunities to address the challenges that face our nation. According to an Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Programme on International Student Assessment’s (PISA) report, the United States ranks 14th out of 34 OECD countries for reading skills, 17th for science and a below-average 25th for mathematics.

UNCFSP’s workforce development programs have given hundreds of students the practical skills and professional training they need to enter the workforce prepared to compete with the best and brightest from around the world. This includes internships, academic training, research and presentation opportunities, graduate school admissions assistance, study abroad, and language training.

UNCFSP’s institutional capacity building initiatives, that include faculty and institutional opportunities, emphasize the importance of developing the capability of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and faculty to train globally competitive students. The corporation and its partners recognize that it isn’t enough to give students access to resources. It is critical to develop sustainable institutions that offer innovative curriculum, leading edge technologies, and resources – financial and otherwise – for faculty and students to engage in creative research. As a result, UNCFSP and those involved in education must enhance the institutions of today to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.

UNCFSp:

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UNCFSp iNitiativeS

Eliminating Disparity In Higher Education

Through CollaborationHistorically, the United States has depended upon its scientists and other intellectuals at the nation’s colleges and unviersities for remedies to problems and challenges that face our society—for example, health issues like polio, the space mission, agricultural sciences, nuclear energy, and cyber security. Now, as problems become increasingly more complex, particularly with a growing dependency upon technology, harnessing the collective technical capabilities for research and development is a national imperative. The future holds great challenges and requires greater responses.

With adequate resources, faculty and students found in Minority Serving Institution (MSI) classrooms can answer these challenges and become the leaders the nation hopes for. However, a lack of funding and involvement in important research and development projects have formed a clear disparity in higher education for minority institutions. It is a disparity that robs our nation of a rich technical talent to cure diseases, secure our homeland, and harness renewable energy.

Nearly 30% of all undergraduate degrees earned by African American students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines are awarded at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), according to statistics compiled by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Given this technical ability in STEM areas, UNCFSP has created a federally recognized Research and Development Consortium that harnesses the combined power and capabilities of our students and minority institutions.

The Research and Development Consortium connects MSIs with the talent found in private industry, including small business, and majority institutions. To date, over 40 MSIs have signed up as charter members of the Consortium.

UNCFSP and members of the consortium are fully aware of the value and contributions made by MSIs as well as the need to connect them with the resources and research they need to thrive.

According to Michael Hester, Vice President and COO of UNCFSP, “This Consortium is the perfect opportunity for the tremendous untapped talent in our Minority Serving Institutions to connect with small and large business and government to cultivate effective and enduring solutions to our nation’s challenges.”

For more information about the Research and Development

“This Consortium is the perfect opportunity for the tremendous untapped talent in our Minority Serving Institutions to connect with small and large business and government to cultivate effective and enduring solutions to our nation’s challenges.”

-Michael Hester, Vice President & COO of UNCFSP

Did You Know?

• In the Fiscal Year of 2008, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) received $448.2 Million in funding compared to the $30.8 Billion received by institutions other than HBCUs.

• Out of the 105 HBCUs that exist, the average funding for one HBCU was only $8.1 Million, as compared to the average of $506.5 Million for the top 20 universities (all non-minority).

Source: National Science Foundation: Academic R&D

Expenditures FY 2008

2008 Federal Research and Development Funding

How Do I Get Involved?

To find out how to get involved with UNCFSP’s Research and Development Consortium, contact Glenn Hames at glenn.hames@uncfsp.org.

HBCU Presidents Travel to Turkey

Campus internationalization is more than just study abroad and language programs, it includes faculty and institutional development. UNCFSP facilitates campus internationalization through its programs, its institutional grants, and recently, through a collaboration with the Turkish Cultural Foundation (TCF).

The Chronicle of Higher Education suggests the top reasons to internationalize institutions are “to improve students preparedness, internationalize the curriculum, to strengthen research and knowledge production, and diversify its faculty and staff.”

In collaboration with the TCF, UNCFSP continued their efforts in sustaining internationalization opportunities by sending four college presidents from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)-- Claflin University, Huston Tillotson University, Tougaloo College, and Wiley College-- to Turkey.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s comments released on December 7th, “Being average in reading and science -- and below average in math -- is not nearly good enough in a knowledge economy where scientific and technological literacy is so central to sustaining innovation and international competitiveness.”

Through this trip, HBCU presidents experienced a cultural richness and diversity in Turkey, which remains mostly shaped by its deep roots in the Middle East, Anatolia, and the Balkans.

To date, UNCFSP along with the TCF, has supported four trips to Turkey to study culture, society, and to establish collaborative efforts between Turkish and American Universities.

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey (Photo courtesy of Nicholas Bassey)

UNCFSP Teams with TribaL Colleges To Address

National NeedFrom capacity building programs and professional development training, to internships and fellowships, UNCFSP has been engaging Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) since its inception in 2000. As part of the corporation’s broad mission to support Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), UNCFSP has been working with several TCUs to reinforce their science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum.

This fall, the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and Institute of Medicine issued a report stating that, to remain competitive in the global workforce, the U.S. needs stronger minority representation in STEM fields. To address this disparity, UNCFSP has partnered with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to launch an initiative that will introduce TCU faculty to research activities at the NASA Ames Research Center in Moffet Field, CA.

For 10 weeks, faculty members from TCUs will work with a NASA mentor on research of interest to Tribal communities. Through this experience, faculty members can then share their experiences with their institutional colleagues and partners to help the Native American community gain insight into the way NASA operates.

Armed with this kind of knowledge and experience, faculty can develop their courses to enhance the curriculum at their institutions as well as further engage Native American students. At UNCFSP, service to the minority higher education community with programs like this, helps address the nation’s need to engage its underrepresented citizens and ultimately to remain viable in the global arena.

Two directors at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) noted, “In many departments of physics, computer science, and engineering, it is difficult to find a graduate student who is a U.S. citizen. Across the STEM fields, the situation for faculty members is even more dire.” Through this opportunity and many more to come, UNCFSP gives both students and faculty, especially at MSIs and TCUs, the assistance they need to be the leaders in STEM research and curriculum.

For more information contact Clarence Brown at clarence.brown@uncfsp.org.

Connect to us: www.facebook.com (search UNCFSP)

Did You Know?

UNCFSP, through the Institute for International Public Policy, will award three two-year, $10,000 grants to MSIs for development, enhancement, and/or institutionalization of Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTL), or area studies curricula. The Curriculum Development, Implementation, and Sustainability Program will assist Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in developing or expanding international affairs/international relations, or area studies curricula available to undergraduate college students.

For more information about this grant, visit www.uncfsp.org/iipp-ffp

Faculty Fellows at Summer Language Institute

reCeNt graNtS & awardS

Building International Capacity At Minority Serving Institutions One

Faculty Member At A Time In response to the need for campus internationalization at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), UNCFSP’s Institute for International Public Policy launched the Faculty Fellows Program in June of 2010. This program assists faculty from MSIs in the enhancement or creation of curricula on Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs), area studies, international relations, and other relevant subjects.

Five faculty members from HBCUs across the country participated in UNCFSP’s three-week program designed to expose them to the tools and opportunities that will help them develop international education curriculum, programming, and subsequently enhance their campus internationalization process. One fellow felt that one of the most valuable parts of the experience “was the opportunity to take time away from the campus to interact with and learn with faculty colleagues from diverse backgrounds who are engaged in other facets of internationalization.”

It is difficult for colleges and universities to move forward in the kinds of directions that are required to prepare the U.S. population to participate in the world as global citizens. However, authors like Lisa K. Childress, in her book The Twenty-First Century University, specifically identify faculty engagement as a critical component in the success of any institution’s internationalization efforts. As Childress notes, including faculty in internationalization plans will help ensure the necessary campus and community investment.

Additionally, the Institute of International Education (IIE) published a white paper entitled “International Education as an Institutional Priority,” focusing on the importance of campus internationalization and the challenges many institutions face in reaching that goal. Both this report and the U.S. Department of Education’s Super Critical Needs Languages lend credence to the still-increasing need for internationally focused academic endeavors.

After just a few months, the program exceeded one faculty’s expectations. “The Faculty Fellows Program provided observation experiences that have proven invaluable for putting together the required individual action plan for enhancing campus internationalization at Morehouse,” said Dr. Ida Mukenge, Professor of Sociology at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA. “My individual action plan has two dimensions – interdisciplinary cooperation for course development and partnership with student services and wellness services.” Creating partnerships within her institution, introducing more internationally-focused content in department curriculum, and focusing on increasing student participation in programs are just some of the action items she plans to pursue, due to her participation in the Faculty Fellows Program.

UNCFSP’s Faculty Fellows Program seeks to continue providing valuable skills and resources for MSIs. Interested candidates are encouraged to learn more about the program and apply online at www.uncfsp.org/iipp-ffp through March 1, 2011. UNCFSP remains committed to helping the minority higher education community participate more fully in the creation of a globally prepared workforce, one faculty member at a time.

For more information about the IIPP Faculty Fellows Program, contact Dr. Crystal Keels at crystal.keels@uncfsp.org or visit http://www.uncfsp.org/iipp-ffp.

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Financial Literacy Fattens Pockets & Helps Build Wealth

“What do you think is the best way to educate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) students about personal finance?” and “What is your biggest concern when it comes to money?” are both questions posed in a new financial literacy study conducted by UNCFSP. “Fat Pockets,” a nation-wide research study, is exploring the personal finance knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of HBCU students with the goal to develop a financial education program.

The development of a personal finance education program for HBCU students is likely to be significant given its potential impact to close the financial literacy gap, promote student retention at HBCUs, and positively influence the African-American community in general.

It was only two years ago that the U.S. was struck with a significant financial crisis that rocked many Americans, creating economic havoc for the majority of low- to middle-class households. Beginning September, 2010, UNCFSP conducted the “Fat Pockets” study and on December 1, 2010, the White House released the national strategy to ensure that Americans are equipped with the financial skills needed to attain economic security and stability. Among those Americans are college students, who are having a hard time managing their money and determining how to do more with less.

According to Operation Hope, a global financial literacy and economic empowerment non-profit’s research suggests that for every 100 white students who are financially equipped, there are only 80 black students with a similar level of proficiency. UNCFSP is working to address the 20 percent disparity between black students and their white counterparts.

This project is the the first of its kind to explore this demographic as its primary subject. Despite the overwhelming knowledge and statistics available, there have been a limited number of studies such as this dedicated to black students. Over 2,300 students at 23 HBCUs will participate in this initiative. The study will provide a comprehensive picture of what students know about their personal finances and identify the role money and finances play in students’ behaviors.

Based on “Fat Pockets” final study findings, a study that is made possible by a Financial Industry Regulatory Agency (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation grant, UNCFSP will design an effective financial education program for HBCU students. Financial literacy is one of the keys to the future economic stability of the nation. UNCFSP’s mission with this initiative is to ensure that students connect to their success in the long-term and establish the foundation upon which to build wealth.

For more information about Fat Pockets contact Gayle Daniels at gayle.daniels@uncfsp.org.

Did You Know?

Financial Literacy Study Participants Included:• 2,300 Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to date• Nearly 5,000 student respondents are expected by the conclusion of the study• 18-25 Year Olds• 23 HBCUsAll students at each HBCU had an opportunity to participate in the study and were given the choice to remain anonymous.

Connect to us: www.twitter.com/uncfsp

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FellowS aNd iNterNS apply what they learN

From Shanghai To AzerbijanIn 2008, UNCFSP’s Institute for International Public Policy admitted 32 students to represent its 14th cohort of fellows. Now, after two summers of rigorous academic training, a semester of study abroad, and graduation from their undergraduate institutions, these fellows can be found in every corner of the globe representing nearly every industry.

Lauren Sprott and Michael Huggins, both members of cohort 14, are just two of the many fellows from the program who have added impressive feats to their repertoire since entering the program.

As an undergraduate International Affairs major, Sprott exemplified academic success at her alma mater Spelman College. She was a member of several honors societies, received a handful of scholarship and fellowship awards, and was the salutatorian of her graduating class. With the support of UNCFSP, Lauren studied abroad in China and has since continued her Chinese language study at Middlebury College’s

Language School this past summer. “Completing the intensive Mandarin program at Middlebury helped to prepare me for my four month internship with the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Shanghai,” she said. As an intern with the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Sprott has spent the last few months honing her professional and language skills in Shanghai. She’ll soon be applying to competitive graduate programs in international affairs with plans to continue her career in international policy with a focus in Asia.

Huggins has an equally impressive resume of accomplishments, both academic and professional. He received an International Baccalaureate diploma and upon being admitted to Stanford University was awarded the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship. He landed an English Language Instructor position with the AGN School in Konganapuram, India. Following graduation and with the assistance of UNCFSP internship funding, Huggins embarked on his journey where he notes he “developed an intense enthusiasm for education in the developing world.” Soon after completing his internship with the AGN School, he was selected to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Azerbaijan where he currently works on local education issues. “This internship has given me a lot of experience and interest in continuing to pursue an international career,” he said.

The Institute for International Public Policy program truly prepares a cadre of well-trained, language proficient minority youth to compete in the global marketplace. Sprott and Huggins provide a glimpse at the work fellows have done and are doing. With the 17th round of selections approaching, UNCFSP is looking forward to awarding and training the next cohort of prospective and eventual international leaders.

For more information about the Institute for International Public Policy, visit www.uncfsp.org/iipp or contact Lily Lopez-McGee at lily.lopez@uncfsp.org.

Lauren Sprott during study abroad in China

Michael Huggins at the Taj Mahal in India

An Institute for International Public Policy fellow discusses the value of her study abroad experience:

Cohort 15 fellow Ivory Mills understands the importance of studying media in a non-western society like Japan, as it is “one of the most technologically advanced nations of the world,” she said. Studying Japanese media and technology will provide her with “an opportunity to broaden cultural sensitivity and improve understanding of the interests and concerns of people around the world,” she concluded.

Connect to us: www.youtube.com/uncfsp

The UNCFSP/NLM HBCU ACCESS Grants Program Principal Investigators include:

Ms. Cynthia L. HendersonHoward University

Ms. Barbara S. HarveyUniversity of the District of Columbia

Dr. Robin ChristianAlcorn State University

Dr. Cynthia Williams BrownWinston-Salem State University

UNCFSP And National Library of Medicine Welcome New Principal Investigators

UNCFSP Opens Door to Health Database Education

As health care reform changes the landscape of the nation’s overall health, minorities are changing the way they approach their own. UNCFSP launched an initiative in partnership with the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to engage in health education and research. In response to the high morbidity among minority groups, the UNCFSP/NLM HBCU ACCESS Project provides access to online health resources that help promote disease prevention and wellness on Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campuses and in their surrounding communities. What sets this project apart from others is the use of online health resources provided by NLM.

After a series of training sessions, four HBCUs, Winston Salem State University, Howard University, University of the District of Columbia, and Alcorn State University, were selected to participate in the project to help increase knowledge of good health practices and health know-how through the online database. Each HBCU receives $20,000, which is used to teach faculty, peers, and community members how to utilize health databases effectively to benefit themselves and their families.

Winston-Salem State University, for example, will set out to train health teachers in general education health courses. Howard University focuses on librarians and will help campus librarians complete consumer health training courses for certification. Additionally, the University of the District of Columbia will train students and faculty to infuse the use of NLM resources into several campus courses in cancer causes and prevention, nutrition, and psychology. Alcorn State University will partner with local libraries, senior resource centers, and hospitals to create an environment for free computer access.

At each campus, the goal is to help trainees use the NLM database to conduct outreach and educational intervention with community members. Because access-related issues and the under-utilization of health information by minorities perpetuates health disparities, the success of the project will aid the elimination of this disproportion. As participating HBCUs and their surrounding communities continue to use the database, UNCFSP and NLM will succeed in improving public health, one campus at a time.

For more information about the UNCFSP/NLM HBCU ACCESS Project contact Renee Burgess at renee.burgess@uncfsp.org.

UNCFSP & NLM Give Access to Health Online

NLM Database Trainer and Trainees at the University of the District of Columbia

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June July2Winning Government Awards Training Workshop

14Winning Government Awards Training Workshop

22External Relations

UNCFSp opportUNitieS

UNCFSP Bolsters Minority Stem With 10-Week Faculty Fellowship Program

The future landscape of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) includes a critical lack of minority doctors and scientists if students continue to avoid engaging in these disciplines. Roy L. Beasley, academic systems analyst in the Office of the Provost at Howard University, suggests that African-American students shy away from or perform poorly in STEM disciplines because of their perceived notions of racial inferiority. Although this complicated notion is only one of a few reasons for the lack of minorities with STEM careers today, it sheds light on the dire need for STEM-educated minorities tomorrow.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) can help transform this bleak forecast by preparing their students to be pioneers and leaders in STEM fields. Who predominantly prepares minority students for future success? Minority faculty. Therefore, to ensure that HBCU and MSI faculties are equipped with the appropriate tools for STEM success, UNCFSP and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have collaborated to manage the NASA Science and Technology Institute’s Summer Faculty Fellowship Program. This program is designed to increase the number of research opportunities available to faculty at HBCUs and MSIs. A ten-week, hands-on research experience allows faculty to build partnerships, network, and garner professional development training with NASA that will further develop research interests and expertise.

Participation in the fellowship program is intended to expand the basic research and management capability of HBCUs and MSIs by allowing their faculty to become intricately involved in NASA-related areas of interest. The program aims to increase knowledge of the scientific and technical needs of NASA as well as increase the capability of MSIs to participate in NASA-sponsored research and development (R&D) programs. The underlying philosophy of the program is that the more faculty members participate in these opportunities, the greater the benefit will be to their students and institutions.

Faculty Fellows will receive training in the latest methods of teaching STEM subjects, and how best to present research results. These benefits will strengthen the Fellows in their careers and enhance their ability to assist in the academic preparation of the United States’ future scientists and engineers. This UNCFSP and NASA collaboration helps ensure that the nation taps into all of its resources and remains competitive on a global scale.

For more information about the NASA Science and Technology Institute’s Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, visit www.uncfsp.org/nsti-ffp.

Access to opportunities within higher education is exactly what students need, especially during the nation’s troubling economy. With a considerable hike in higher education tuition, students at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) can suffer significantly and, as a result, the nation’s ability to remain competitive in the global community also suffers. Many of these students, however, are unaware of the opportunities that exist and where to find them.

UNCFSP has helped institutions and their students by creating indispensable opportunities today for the leaders of tomorrow. To date, the organization has awarded more than 1,000 student fellowships and internships. Through the promotion of minorities’ full participation in education and research, UNCFSP has helped provide a skilled and diverse human capital pool to maintain and advance the nation’s economy.

Save the Date!Key NASA One Stop Shopping Initiative Dates to Remember:

Application dates for Summer 2011 Opportunities: 11/1/2010 – 2/1/2011

Application dates for Fall 2011 Opportunities:2/2/2011 – 5/1/2011

UNCFSP develops and administers programs that address the needs of all stakeholders: institutions of higher education, faculty, and students. One of the unique opportunities offered is UNCFSP’s partnership with NASA’s One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI) Student Online Application for Recruiting Interns, Fellows, and Scholar (SOLAR) System. Students can access internship and fellowship information and apply to a number of opportunities within NASA. UNCFSP serves as the NASA OSSI and SOLAR Recruitment Specialist (Broker Facilitator) and assists students throughout the application process.

As education costs continue to rise and access becomes more critical, the organziation continues to offer significant opportunities. UNCFSP creates a portal to connect the minority higher education community with government agencies as well as small and large businesses. By providing the tools and opportunities they need, UNCFSP can ensure that students still connect to their success.

For more information about the One Stop Shopping Initiative (OSSI), visit http://intern.nasa.gov or contact Sondra Lancaster at sondra.lancaster@uncfsp.org.

Access Is The Key To Success For Minority Students

Connect to us: www.uncfsp.org/blog

Top UNCFSP Study Abroad DestinationsWhen the Institute of International Education released their 2008/2009 Open Doors Report data in November of this year, one of their focus points was on where U.S. students were choosing to study. The top five selections were not terribly surprising as the trend in study abroad over the past several decades has been to study in Western Europe. UNCFSP’s Institute for International Public Policy, on the other hand, has taken a different approach.

With the exception of China (ranking 5th), the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and France remained top options for American college students over the past decade, according to the Open Doors Report. From 2005-2009, the top destinations for Institute for International Public Policy fellows have included only two European countries – France and Spain – with Egypt ranking the most popular, and China and Jordan in the top five. In addition to changing the face of study abroad programs across the country, the Institute for International Public Policy is also changing the diversity of destinations and languages that American students choose to explore.

After his experience in Jordan, Institute for International Public Policy fellow Bakary Sakan (Cohort 15) noted, “Studying abroad in Jordan has made me interested in representing the United States abroad, because I have come to recognize the need for a more diverse representation of the United States to the rest of the world [to help] create the impression that we are a country diverse not only in race but also in ideology.”

Institute for International Public Policy fellows in Egypt Institute for International Public Policy fellow Monty McGee (Cohort 11) in China

Marikaa Nixon (Cohort 15) candidly stated, “My Chinese language ability will make me a better candidate for graduate school and jobs.”

International Fellows Weigh In On Favorite Destinations:

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UNCFSP Celebrates International Education WeekThrough photos

In honor of this year’s International Education Week, UNCFSP’s Institute for International Public Policy sponsored a photo contest to its fellows to capture the essence of a country in which they had studied, worked, or traveled. Since 2000, the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Education have jointly hosted the annual International Education Week. Fellows from multiple cohorts participated, and the top three finalists’ photos were posted on the program’s Facebook page for the public to vote on. Included below is the winning photo from Hammad Hammad (Cohort 12) depicting a moment on the island of Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Runner Up: Vietnam Runner Up: Spain

1st Place: Zanizabar

UNCFSp SpotlightS

Volume IV, Issue II , Winter 2010

The Newsletter of the UNCF Special Programs Corporation

Highlights in this Issue

» Connect to UNCFSP

» President’s Corner

» Much at Stake for U.S. Educational Institutions

» Eliminating Disparity in Higher Education Through Collaboration

» UNCFSP Teams with Tribal Colleges to Address National Need

» HBCU Presidents Travel to Turkey

» Building International Capacity at MSIs One Faculty Member at a Time

» Financial Literacy Fattens Pockets and Helps Build Wealth

» From Shanghai to Azerbijan

» UNCFSP Opens Door to Health Database Education

» UNCFSP & NLM Welcome New PIs

» Access is the Key for Minority Students

» UNCFSP Bolsters Minority STEM Success

» Top UNCFSP Study Abroad Destinations

» International Photo Contest

» This Issue’s Highlights

Did You Know?UNCF Special Programs Corporation has funding opportunities for university partners, industry, non-governmental organizations, faculty, students, and staff. Opportunities in the areas of capacity building, workforce development, and global affairs can all be found in The Portal.

Contact The PortalPlease submit your comments, news, information, and contact information to receive future editions of “The Portal” by sending an email to portal@uncfsp.org. With your help, we will continue to provide you with the most relevant information that impacts our community.

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