Claffey Meyer Travel Grant
The Claffey Meyer International Award provides financial assistance to domestic students who intend to travel to developing (lower or middle income) countries for the purpose of providing technical assistance, participating in research, or engaging in service.
The intent of the award is for students to work towards discovering and implementing solutions in response to basic human needs (for example: food security, environmental quality, health and nutrition, education, and other areas). It also aims to encourage students who may be interested in pursuing careers in international development, teaching, research and practice.
Grants are intended to support travel, related living expenses, and projects costs, not to be used as a tuition scholarship. Proposals that do not take place for a minimum of 10-weeks in a developing country will not be eligible for review.
Grants vary by year, but will be no less than $2000. Previous award amounts are: 2023–$3,000 and $8,439; 2022–N/A; 2021–$4600; 2020–$2000 and $2000; 2019–$3500
Eligibility and Reporting
- MSU US/domestic students who are travelling to a developing country. No exceptions.
- Students must spend at least 10 weeks in-country. No exceptions.
- Doctoral, Graduate, and Upper-class undergraduate students may apply.
- Applications showing high promise for addressing critical human needs are expected.
- Awardees will submit a report within 30 days of the completion of travel. The report should address the project’s objectives, methods (collaborative research, technical assistance, service), and key results or findings.
How to Apply
To apply for the Claffey Meyer award, submit a completed proposal which includes the following:
- Application Form
- Long Form Questions
- A proposed budget
- A letter/essay describing how scholarship funds would be used, specifically explaining the critical human need(s) to be addressed. Explain how the trip will contribute to the intent of the award and what scholarship or practical experience will be employed.
- Letter of support from applicant's academic or research adviser
- Letters are confidential and will be shared only with members of the selection committee
- Letters may be emailed directly to
- Official MSU transcript that includes most recent fall grades
- Curriculum Vitae or resume
