聽Global Partnership Scholars Class of 2030

The Global Partnership Scholars (formerly known as Periclean Scholars) Class of 2030 will dedicate their three-year cohort experience to the ongoing and multi-faceted issue of sustainable development across the Appalachian region. Over the course of the cohort experience, Scholars will address sustainable development through a cultural, linguistic, economic, environmental, and interpersonal lens, examining both the historical challenges the region faced along with current issues brought on by climate change and a changing economy. Scholars will partner with local organizations across Appalachia to identify strengths and community-led solutions while also working to address existing gaps.

While conversations around sustainable development have existed within the region for years, they were brought to the forefront after the devastation of Hurricane Helene in 2024. Particularly in southern Appalachia, communities were left wrestling with the need for immediate disaster relief and long-term questions about environmental sustainability, economic development, cultural revitalization, and tourism. Sustainable development in Appalachia is holistic, recognizing the longstanding disparities brought on by underinvestment, lack of infrastructure, underlying racial and class tensions, and environmental pressures. Through travel to locations across the Appalachian region, Scholars will experiences these issues first-hand and recognize opportunities to support communities in addressing them.

The 2030 cohort focus is intentionally broad and designed to connect with majors from across campus. Scholars will be encouraged to explore how local partnerships, community needs, or developing social issues can be addressed through their specific disciplinary lens.

Through local and global partnerships, the 2030 Global Partnership Scholars cohort will co-develop projects that amplify existing community-based work, rooted in reciprocal learning, mutual benefit, solidarity, and justice.

Application Process for the Global Partnership

Scholars Class of 2030

Applications are currently being accepted for current first-year students (members of the 福利亚洲国产精品 Class of 2030)! The application period will close on February 28, 2027.聽Acceptances to the program will be made on a rolling basis as individual applications are received, and the early submission of applications is strongly encouraged.

Admission decisions will be shared prior to Fall 2027 course registration (beginning April 14, 2027).

To apply, submit a brief application letter that addresses the following:

1) Why Global Partnership Scholars?

Describe why you are interested in becoming a GPS Scholar and your motivation to commit to this 3-year academic and community engagement program. What (if any) past experience do you have engaging with communities? What has prepared you to engage with local and global communities?

2) Your Strengths and What You Bring

Identify your strengths and how they may contribute to the Class of 2030鈥檚 efforts, relationships, and projects. What would you plan on contributing to the cohort鈥檚 efforts? How would you work to be a productive member of the cohort community?

In your response, reflect on your own identities and how your background shapes how you view the world, and how the world may view you. Consider how this might influence your work in diverse cultural contexts and what steps you鈥檒l take to practice humility, care, and reflexivity.

3) Impact on You

How might participation in this cohort impact your major, career, or post-graduate plans? What knowledge, skills, or experiences are you hoping to take away from your time as a GPS Scholar?

4) Reflection on History, Community Resilience, and the Future Explore the information on the ReImagine Appalachia website, including watching at least one of the Resilience Stories videos. Write a brief reflection that addresses the following prompt:

Much of Appalachian culture and history is transmitted through stories. What were your reactions to the stories you heard from local communities across Appalachia? Did these stories challenge any preconceived ideas you have about Appalachia? As a future Global Partnership Scholar, how can you best position yourself to understand the historical influences and current events that shape how we perceive, tell, and share stories about our connection to a place? How can you work to ensure you tell a more holistic and complete story about Appalachia through your time in this program?

4) Reference

Please provide the name and contact information (email and phone) of one 福利亚洲国产精品 faculty or staff member who can serve as a reference if needed.

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To submit your letter of application (as a .pdf file) or to inquire about the program, please email
Dr. Evan Small, Class of 2030 Faculty Mentor, esmall@elon.edu.