Education Without Borders: Apply Now for Rotary’s Global Scholarship
Rotary District Global Scholars
From Tammy Kaufman of White Salmon-Bingen Rotary:
Beaverton, Ore., Jan. 29, 2026 — Rotary District 5100 with 62 clubs in northern Oregon and southwest Washington is accepting applications through March 1 for its 2026–27 Global Grant Scholarship, a competitive international study program supported by Rotary International.
The scholarship, funded through The Rotary Foundation, supports professionals pursuing graduate-level study abroad aligned with one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus. Eligible programs include master’s degrees, doctoral programs, certificate programs, or approved research projects, for up to four academic years.
Rotary District 5100 selects one candidate each year to advance to the Global Grant Scholarship application process. The award provides up to $30,000 annually for approved educational expenses.
Joshua Rogers, a three-year recipient of the Rotary Global Grant Scholarship, is completing his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. The Native of Silverton, Ore., is finishing his dissertation in Genetics and Genomics. His goal is to unveil genetic variants that predispose individuals to severe health outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 and influenza infection. He hopes this helps enable the scientific community to better prevent and treat these global diseases.
Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus are peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and protecting the environment.
“This is a high-level study abroad program designed to immerse students in another culture while they study at a foreign university,” said Tamara Kaufman, chair of the district’s Global Scholars Committee. “The selected scholar becomes part of the Rotary family by participating in a club near where they are studying and remaining connected to a club here in our district, which spans northern Oregon and southwest Washington.”
Applicants must already be fluent in the language of instruction, including terminology specific to their field of study, and must have a letter of admission to a foreign academic institution with studies beginning in late summer or early fall 2026. Candidates must also demonstrate a long-term career plan focused on measurable and sustainable change in their chosen field.
“Our motto is Service Above Self,” Kaufman said. “Our goal is for a Global Scholar to help make a positive difference in the world and to maintain a lifelong relationship with Rotary after the scholarship period.”
Kaufman, a member of the White Salmon-Bingen Rotary Club in Washington, said Rotary offers ongoing opportunities for both local and international service.
“We have a tremendous network to do good in the world,” she said. “Our club is currently working on an environmental project in Guatemala and a community economic development project in Kenya, in collaboration with partner clubs in Rotary District 5100 and Rotary clubs on the ground.”
Rotarians, their relatives and Rotary employees are not eligible to apply. Members of Rotaract clubs, Rotary’s global service network for young leaders ages 18 to 30, are eligible.
Applications will be reviewed, and selected candidates will be invited for interviews. The district’s chosen applicant will then work with the committee to apply to The Rotary Foundation for the Global Grant.
More information is available at https://rotarydistrict5100.org/global-scholars/. Applicants must submit a letter of intent, a resume or CV, and letters of reference to RD5100GlobalScholars@gmail.com by March 1, 2026.
About
Rotary District 5100 includes 62 clubs and more than 2,100 members across northern Oregon and southwest Washington. The district focuses on local and global service projects aimed at creating sustainable community impact. Learn more at rotarydistrict5100.org.
