Dr. Charmaine Troy, Associate Director for First-Generation and Limited Income Student Initiatives, has been selected to receive VPII Denning Seed Fund Award. This award recognizes her proposal titled, "Engaging First-Generation Students for Entrepreneurship Opportunities Abroad," which secured funding of $15,000 from the Steve A. Denning Chair for Global Engagement. Lorie Paulez, Director of Education Abroad, Office of International Education, was also a co-recipient of the award.

The Engaging First-Generation Students for Entrepreneurship Opportunities Abroad Experience is a collaboration between First-Generation Student Initiatives (FGSI), Georgia Tech Shenzhen Campus (GTSI), and Education Abroad (EA), which seeks to pilot opportunities to expand access to international programs for underrepresented students. GTSI and Education Abroad are partnering with faculty and staff to increase international program participation by identifying gaps in access. This collaboration leverages resources and relationships to create a program that supports “Education Abroad for All” identifying the needs of underrepresented students and building pathways for these students to connect globally.  

Expressing her gratitude for the award, Troy stated, "I am so excited to partner with OIE on this pilot study abroad program for first-generation students. I hope that this program inspires our first-generation students to become entrepreneurs. Thank you so much to the Denning Faculty and Seed Fund Award Committee and the Office of International Initiatives for their support in changing the lives of our Georgia Tech first-generation students through transformative experiences!"

The goal of this program, Engaging First-Generation Students for Entrepreneurship Opportunities Abroad, is to create a faculty-led study abroad and embedded program during spring break 2024 specifically designed for first-generation students who are interested in innovation and entrepreneurship. The overall goal is to create a pilot model that uses a cohort format to provide support throughout multiple semesters. Cohort-based guidance for students in the program will foster support in applying to and participating in an international program. This program will take place at the Georgia Tech campus in Shenzhen, China. 

First-generation students will gain an understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation, working in the global workforce, intercultural competencies, critical thinking, and cross-cultural communications. They will be able to transfer their skills to future opportunities such as internships, research, careers, and study abroad as they progress in their academic career. This opportunity has the potential to lead to employment opportunities and/or business startups post-graduation.

"I am very excited to be a part of this collaboration to create access for first-generation students to connect globally," said Paulez. "GT First-Generation Student Initiatives, GT Education Abroad (OIE), and the GT campus in Shenzhen, China are sharing innovative ideas to pilot this program for spring 2024. I am grateful to VPII, Dr. Bernard Kippelen, and the Denning Seed Fund for supporting us in developing this new opportunity for our students."

The program is set to commence on July 1, 2023, and must be completed by June 30, 2024. As a recipient of this grant, Dr. Troy is responsible for submitting a report by June 30, 2024, highlighting the achievements and utilization of the funds, which will contribute to the ongoing evaluation and improvement of the program.