Sustainability Abroad Micro Grants (SAMGrants)
Sustainability Abroad Micro Grants (SAMGrants)
The Office of Global Engagement in collaboration with UGA’s Office of Sustainability are excited to offer Sustainability Abroad Micro (SAM) Grants of $1000 to UGA undergraduate students studying abroad on UGA faculty-led programs or on UGA sponsored exchange programs.
SAM Grants support independent student projects focused on sustainability in connection with their studies abroad. Projects cannot replace course work offered by the study abroad program or otherwise be counted toward program credit. Funds may be used to undertake independent research, document successful sustainability efforts in a host country, coordinate an event on-site, improve the infrastructure at a study abroad location, or support community identified needs.
Click below to be taken to the study away portal for updated deadlines for SAM Grant applications. Further questions may be directed to samgrants@uga.edu.
About SAMGrants
SAMGrants support independent student projects focused on sustainability in connection with their studies abroad. Students may begin working on their projects before departing and continue to work on their projects following completion of the program. Students who receive a SAMGrant will be asked to write a short reflective essay upon its completion. The Office of Sustainability will also provide grant recipients with the opportunity to present their project in a public forum upon their return. Grant recipients should not expect to receive assistance with their project from the program director or program faculty. Projects cannot replace course work offered by the study abroad program or otherwise be counted toward program credit.
SAMGrants support independent student projects focused on sustainability broadly defined including environmental, social, or economic challenges that fall under one of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Funds can be used for independent research, documenting successful sustainability efforts in the host country, coordinating an event on-site, improving the infrastructure at the study abroad location, or supporting community identified needs. Please note: Students cannot duplicate class work for their SAMGrant projects. SAMGrant projects are independent projects students pursue outside of class. Examples of successful project proposals can be found below.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests. (via the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs)
Globally—and locally—we face many pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges, including hunger, biodiversity loss, poverty, and climate change. Sustainability provides a guiding framework for reducing environmental impact, enhancing social well-being, and improving economic security. SAMGrants support student projects aimed at creating a more sustainable future, while incentivizing applied student learning outside the classroom and deeper engagement with host locations and communities abroad.
Students interested in applying for SAMGrants are encouraged to attend one of the orientation sessions offered Sessions will address any questions students may have about possible projects and will offer assistance with the application itself.
Next info session date & time: Fall information session will be held on March 19th and April 1st, 2025 at the Global Engagement building, first floor conference room.
If you are ready to apply, please click here and complete the short application form. Applications for the current cycle will close April 7th, 2025.
For further questions, please contact samgrants@uga.edu.
Balancing Access and Impact: Addressing Health and Environmental Challenges of Water Sachets in Ghana
Rawad Basma investigates the economic, public health, and environmental impacts of water sachet consumption in Ghana, in addition to addressing how students and faculty on this program can mitigate the environmental impact of their visit.
“Photos taken in Green City Freiburg and Surrounding Areas”
Amelia Petterson documents sustainable infrastructure constructed throughout Freiburg, aiming to showcase sustainability measures that could be implemented in the United States.
BRITTNEY FOX WATTS SCHOLARSHIP
The Brittney Fox Watts Endowment for Study Abroad in Sustainability provides support to students who share passions for travel, experiencing different cultures, and embracing sustainable practices to address the health and well-being of individuals and communities around the globe. A $1,000 enhancement will be provided to select UGA undergraduate and graduate students attending a UGA sponsored education abroad or exchange program focused on sustainability.
These funds are provided through the generous support of family and friends of Brittney Fox Watts to provide financial support to students who share the same passions as Brittney – who loved traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and supporting sustainable practices. To donate to this fund, please visit the Brittney Fox Watts Memorial Endowment gifting page.
All Study Abroad Scholarships
OGE’s expert Global Advisors are dedicated to finding scholarships to fund every student’s study abroad experience.
Browse all available scholarships or schedule a meeting with an advisor below.