Sovereign Bank Gift to Support Global Health Practice Opportunities for BUSPH Students
Boston University has received a gift of $900,000 from Sovereign Bank, a part of Banco Santander, half of which will go to Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) to support international field practicum experiences for students.
The gift of $450,000 to BUSPH over three years will be awarded to international health students with demonstrated financial need to help defray the costs associated with undertaking a three- to six-month international field practicum, which students complete as part of their graduate degree programs.
“International field practicum experiences are a fundamentally important part of learning and skill building for students who are preparing for public health careers in global health,” said Jonathon Simon, chair of the international health department, and director of the Center for Global Health and Development at BU.
“The travel and living costs for these experiences can present a real stumbling block for some students,” said Simon. “We are very grateful to Banco Santander for providing this funding, which will make it possible for us to support those students who might otherwise be prevented from participating.”
“The gift from Sovereign Bank acknowledges the importance of addressing global public health challenges and the need for highly trained professionals to work in resource-poor nations,” said Mark Prashker, BUSPH associate dean for development and strategic planning.
While details of the scholarship program are still being worked out, Prashker said that the School plans to use the money to support a variety of international field practicums for students, with special emphasis in Kenya and Latin America. Field placements are generally unpaid, and standard university or federal financial aid resources don’t cover the extra expenses.
As part of the collaboration between Boston University and Sovereign Bank, the University will also establish a new undergraduate Spanish language and cultural community program.
Submitted by Elana Zak
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