The Kagumu Jaguar Scholarship
Financial aid for study abroad experience
At Kagumu Adventures, we believe that travel has the power to transform perspectives and spark global change.
The Kagumu Jaguar Scholarship is designed to support passionate, forward-thinking students who want to leverage their international education to tackle the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges.
We are inviting universities to share this funding opportunity with their students to help make their study abroad dreams a reality.
The deadline for submission is October 30, 2026
The Offer
A $500 scholarship awarded to students who submit the most impactful essay on how he/she will use their degree and study abroad program (in-person or virtual) to propel their studies and help their future work to generate positive impact for society and the environment.
Requirements:
Academic Focus:
Must be a currently enrolled student majoring or minoring in a field related to sustainability, conservation, or social impact (e.g., Environmental Studies, Sustainability Science, Social Entrepreneurship, Public Policy, Ecology, or Development Studies)
Academic requirements
Must have a GPA of at least 2.5 in an environmental subject area.
Accredited insitution
An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions).
Applicant for program
In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing (in-person or virtual) study abroad or internship program.
Low income background
Receiving a Federal Pell Grant or other government funding during the time of application.
Post-program reflection
Submit a post-program reflection on how your experience will propel your studies or job prospects. This can be published on the university website or in the magazine, Linkedin, or social media with Kagumu tagged in.
Essay
Submit a 750-word essay relating to the topic: “How will my academic studies and my chosen study abroad program empower me to help solve a specific global environmental or social issue”
The Application
Submit a 750-word essay answering the prompt: “How will my academic studies and my chosen study abroad program empower me to help solve a specific global environmental or social issue”
Essays will be reviewed by the Kagumu Adventures Scholarship Committee. We are looking for authentic, forward-thinking voices rather than just perfect academic jargon or AI-heavy essays. Submissions will be judged on four pillars: Judging criteria found in the FAQs below.
Note to Applicants: We value diverse perspectives and non-traditional approaches to sustainability. Whether your focus is grassroots conservation, urban public policy, or eco-entrepreneurship, we want to see your unique vision for change.
Want to learn more?
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as financial aid?
This is not financial aid. This is a scholarship for students from low-income backgrounds and wanting to use their study abroad experience to help propel their studies in their sustainability related degree.
Does Kagumu have any tips for the scholarship application?
We value diverse perspectives and non-traditional approaches to sustainability. Whether your focus is grassroots conservation, urban public policy, or eco-entrepreneurship, we want to see your unique vision for change. We recommend using AI sparingly and instead showcasing your personality.
Application process
Get in touch using the form above. You will be required to send us details of your degree and how you plan to leverage international experience to enhance your studies.
How will my scholarship application be judged?
Once you have sent us your 750-word essay, our panel of expert judges will assess the application using the following rubric:
Critical Thinking & Problem Identification
How clearly does the student define a specific global environmental or social issue? We look for a deep understanding of the chosen challenge.
Academic Alignment
How effectively does the student connect their current major/minor and their chosen study abroad program to this issue? The ideal essay shows a clear bridge between the classroom, the host country, and the real world.
Actionable Vision & Impact
Does the student offer realistic, innovative, or passionate ideas on how they will use this experience to create a more sustainable world? We favor essays that focus on tangible “problem solving” rather than vague goals.
Clarity & Passion
Is the essay engaging, well-structured, and written with a compelling personal voice?
Can I offer this to my student population?
Yes, absolutely. If you are a university faculty or study abroad officer, get in touch with us on: [email protected]
What are the application requirements?
The requirements for this scholarship are:
- Students must be recieving the Federal Pell Grant
- Students must send us a 750-word essay explaining why the study abroad experience will benefit their learning and future career.
- Students must post a reflection of their study abroad experience on their university website or LinkedIn.
When do I receive the scholarship?
Kagumu Program: If your application is successful, the grant will be reduced from your overall balance.
Non-Kagumu Program: If your application is successful, your grant will be paid at least 6 weeks prior to the start of the program.
Can I apply for the scholarship program twice?
No, you cannot apply to the scholarship program twice.
Who should I send my application to?
If you would like to apply to this scholarship program you should email: [email protected] or complete the form here.