GSS Program

Apply until December 23, 2011

What is the Global Service Scholarship? The Global Service Scholarship (GSS) provides the opportunity for Loma Linda University (LLU) alumni, in fields other than medicine and dentistry, to serve overseas in volunteer or limited-stipend positions while receiving educational loan payment assistance. The GSS helps to alleviate some financial burden, enabling LLU graduates who are committed to global service to use their professional skills abroad.

Who is eligible for the GSS? LLU alumni who have graduated within the past ten years and are willing to commit to a minimum of one year to a maximum of three years of service abroad. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need. Current students interested in the GSS should apply for the scholarship during the final year of their program.

Where do GSS recipients serve? GSS recipients are placed in Seventh-day Adventist institutions or LLU international strategic-interest sites. Placement is based upon site needs, a match of appropriate skills and expertise, and length of service. GSS applicants may suggest sites, however final site approval rests with LLU.

How does the application process work? The competitive scholarship process includes an application, a panel interview, a review of three reference forms, and an evaluation of financial need. Applications are accepted in the fall quarter and assessed during the winter quarter. Up to three scholarships are awarded in the spring quarter.

What skills are needed most? The specific skills, expertise, or types of health professionals needed vary depending on the needs of each international site. All applicants other than physicians and dentists will be considered for an award.

Who finances the GSS? The GSS is made possible through an endowment financed with contributions from various LLU schools and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

What financial assistance is available? The GSS endowment provides scholarship recipients with up to $1,000 of debt servicing per month while serving abroad. The exact amount of debt repayment is determined after an assessment of an applicant's debt needs, as wells as other factors. The scholarship is only provided while recipients are serving abroad. The balance of debt after the service period is the responsibility of the recipient.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Up to three scholarships shall be awarded each year on the following basis:

Commitment to global service	Interview to assess interest in international work, willingness to serve abroad, demonstrated commitment to international service, interpersonal relationship skills, and ability to cope living in a different culture and international setting for one year or more
Financial need	Actual need for financial assistance which takes into account amount of loan repayment and any stipend/salaries provided by the international site
References	Feedback attesting to applicant’s initiative, leadership, strength of character, and high standards of conduct
Site needs	Specific skills, expertise, or profession that is needed by the international site

GSS Application Process

1. Complete an application packet which includes the following:

GSS application
Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
Three (3) reference forms submitted by the referent in a sealed envelope directly to the General Conference Representative’s Office – referent must have known you for at least three years and may be a dean or faculty member, pastor, employer, or other non-family reference. The signature of Loma Linda University’s Director of Student Financial Aid is required on the Worksheet for Loan Repayment (last page of GSS application)

2. Submit completed application packet to:
     General Conference Representative’s Office
       11245 Anderson Street, Suite 220
       Loma Linda, CA 92354
       Tel: 909-558-4563

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: December 23, 2011

COMPETITIVE AWARD SCHEDULE:

Applications and References Due – December 23, 2011
Semifinalists Selected – January 2012
Panel Interview – January/February 2012
Scholarship Notification – March/April 2012