Grant Information
SUSIs Undergraduate Award Now Closed.
The application period for the 2024 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSIs) for European Student Leaders in Civic Engagement is now closed.
There is one Institute on Civic Engagement on offer for 2024.
This 4-week academic program to Michigan State University will provide undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the U.S., while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills.
The Study of the U.S. Institute on Civic Engagement, hosted by Michigan State University, will provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups. The academic program will define civic engagement; examine its development in the United States; and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism. In order to enhance the academic experience, the Institute will focus on specific themes such as civil rights and protections; diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); citizen journalism, social movements, education, governance, minority communities, leadership, and media. Academic sessions will be complemented with hands-on sessions or workshops designed to build skills in the topics mentioned above. The Institute will encourage participants to develop innovative and practical plans to become engaged citizens in their own communities. Program components may include a tour of the Charles Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, meeting with representatives of the Michigan State University Law Clinic, and volunteering with the Refugee Development Center. Read our FAQs.
The 2024 SUSIs for European Student Leaders on Civic Engagement will:
- consist of a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures on Civic Engagement
- provide participants with an overview of how citizens have shaped U.S. history, government, and society both as individuals and groups
- define civic engagement, examine its development in the U.S., and explore topics such as citizenship, community building, economic development, grassroots activism, political leadership, and volunteerism
- discuss other topics such as civil rights, entrepreneurship, ethics, leadership, and media
- provide students with an opportunity to meet with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of non-profit organizations
- Funding: The Institute is fully funded and will cover all participant costs, including program administration; international and visa travel, travel allowances; and housing and subsistence.
- English Language Ability: English Language proficiency is required to participate in this program. All candidates must be proficient in English so that they can actively participate in the academic program.
- Housing and Meal Arrangements: Housing will be in shared or single university dorms on campus or full-service hotels within walking distance of most classroom activities. Male and female participants will be housed in separate quarters. In addition to regular group meals and a university meal plan, participants may have access to a kitchen to cook some meals on their own.
- Special Accommodations: Care will be taken to ensure that any special requirements regarding diet, daily worship, housing, and medical care are satisfied. Special accommodations will be made available to the greatest extent possible. Should a participant need to quarantine due to health and safety concerns, accommodations will follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and host institution guidelines.
- Health Benefits: All participants will receive the Department of State’s Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefit during the U.S.-based in-person component, which provides coverage of up to $100,000 with a $25 co-pay per medical visit and a $75 co-pay per emergency room visit, for the duration of the program. Information on the health benefit program may be found online at http://www.sevencorners.com/gov/usdos.
