Bijeta Lamichhane
News Editor
In addition to the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG), which covers the entire tuition fee for eligible students from Ohio, the College has now introduced another scholarship for first-year applicants: The Model United Nations Award. Students who actively participate and demonstrate strong leadership skills in their high school Model United Nations (MUN) are eligible to apply for the award, which is valued at $2,000.
When asked about the reason behind introducing this scholarship, Dean of Admissions Jennifer Winge said, “We have seen a steady growth of interest in high school Model UN in our applicant pool in the last few years. As Wooster’s visibility continues to expand both in the U.S. and internationally, our market becomes fiercely competitive and diverse. The MUN Scholarship is a distinct way to stand out in a crowded marketplace while featuring a highly successful student organization at Wooster.”
In addition, Winge mentioned that the scholarship is “an opportunity to recognize students’ growth and leadership through a popular co-curricular experience that aligns well with Wooster’s educational experience and commitment to prepare students to become global citizens.”
According to Winge, the MUN Scholarship will be funded through the College’s financial aid budget, much like other merit-based opportunities. “We are very fortunate to have dedicated and loyal alumni who make that financial assistance possible,” she said.
The number of students receiving the award remains unclear at present, since the College does not know the number of applicants they will receive. “In its inaugural year, we are not sure what volume of applications to anticipate, so it’s difficult to predict the number of recipients,” Winge commented.
The Model United Nations student organization is a successful program at the College, with its teams having received various awards over the years. By introducing this scholarship, the College aims to “not only strengthen a student’s interest in Wooster, but also introduce the College to a new population of students eager to continue MUN activities at a school that values that experience.”