Office of Global Opportunities announces new First Passport Grant

The Office of Global Opportunities offers OHIO students many ways to expand their knowledge through traveling.

One new initiative is through the new First Passport Grant. The grant aims to break down one of the barriers to meaningful international experiences by providing funding for Bobcats to get their first U.S. passports.

“Having a valid passport allows students to access the world, opening the door for unique learning experiences in their academic and professional lives,” Catherine Marshall, director of the Office of Global Opportunities, said. “This grant is a step towards opening that door.”

Funding for this grant was a collaborative effort from colleges and offices across all of Ohio University.

The award amount is $150. The $150 will cover the costs for the application fee of a U.S. passport book ($110), the execution/acceptance fee ($35) and $5 towards passport photos.

This award will not cover other fees, which may include passport photos, expedited delivery fees, or travel expenses to submit application materials at the nearest passport application processing center.  

In order to be considered for this grant one must be a full-time undergraduate student, a U.S. citizen, and must be applying for a first-time adult U.S. passport (not renewing a previous passport). All undergraduate students are encouraged to apply, although preference will be given to first- or second-year students, Federal Pell Grant recipients and students from diverse underrepresented backgrounds.

“By targeting students at the beginning of their academic careers, grant recipients will have a tool (a U.S. passport valid for 10 years) that will allow them to access the world, not just during their college experience but also well into their professional lives,” Marshall said.

Recipients of the grant will receive advising and support throughout the passport application process. Awardees are not required to study or travel abroad during their college career, although it is encouraged.

Undergraduate students across all colleges and regional campuses are encouraged to apply.

The deadline to apply for this grant is Oct. 15, 2021. For more information about the grant and to access the application please click on the following link: https://bit.ly/OHIOFirstPassport.

If you have any questions, please reach out to global.opportunities@ohio.edu.