State Initiative Links Private Sector, Higher Ed Community to Provide $155,000 in Scholarships, Internships to Brazilian Students Studying in Illinois
BRASILIA, BRAZIL –(ENEWSPF)–September 25, 2012. Continuing his economic trade mission to Brazil, Governor Pat Quinn today announced a new initiative that will help increase educational opportunities between Illinois and Brazil, attract more Brazilian students to the state, and promote Illinois’ colleges and universities as global leaders in education. Under the initiative, Illinois-based companies will provide tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships as well as internships to Brazilian students studying in Illinois.
Today’s announcement builds on Governor Quinn’s commitment to strengthen education in Illinois, and supports President Obama’s “100,000 Strong in the Americas” goal, an initiative to increase study between Latin America and the Caribbean and the United States.
“As one of the world’s largest economies, Brazil is an important partner for Illinois as we expand our relationships overseas and boost our global competitiveness,” Governor Quinn said. “The agreements we’re announcing today will strengthen our commercial ties, increase tourism and build a pipeline of educated, skilled workers who are better prepared for a 21st century global economy.”
Illinois-based companies including the Motorola Solutions Foundation and Ingredion Inc. (formerly Corn Products) will donate $155,000 in scholarship funds to support undergraduate students attending Illinois schools for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year through the Science Without Borders Program. In addition, Tate & Lyle will provide internships to two Brazilian students at its Illinois facility.
“As the philanthropic arm of a global company, the Motorola Solutions Foundation is proud to partner with Governor Quinn to support the next generation of science and engineering professionals in Brazil,” said Matt Blakely, director, Motorola Solutions Foundation. “We look forward to meeting the scholars and seeing all they will accomplish.”
Illinois already has 91 students from Brazil’s Science Mobility or “Science Without Borders” Program, an initiative of the Brazilian government to provide scholarships to Brazilian undergraduate students for one year of study at colleges and universities in the United States.
Scholarships are given primarily to students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Students in the program will return to Brazil to complete their degrees. Nine Illinois colleges/universities already qualify for Science without Borders.
During his visit today, Governor Quinn also announced that officials with the University of Illinois, Illinois Institute of Technology and DePaul University have entered into agreements with the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education to promote educational, scientific and technological activity. The institutions will work together to facilitate undergraduate and graduate exchange programs where students will study at their home and visiting schools. The agreement also opens the door to joint research opportunities.
For updates on Governor Quinn’s trip, visit www.Illinois.gov or follow him on Twitter at @GovernorQuinn. More information about Illinois trade and business opportunities can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s website at www.illinoisbiz.biz.
Source: illinois.gov
