Rhode Island Foundation offering travel fellowships for students

Students with a yen for travel and adventure have until Friday, Feb. 12 to apply for fellowships through the Michael P. Metcalf Memorial Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation.

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors from Rhode Island can request up to $5,000 for travel in pursuit of self-designed enrichment projects. Established in 1989, the fund has enabled more than 100 students to visit sites from Appalachia to Zaire. Past recipients have performed at a classical music festival in Rome, volunteered at a Costa Rican orphanage and studied improvisational theater in Texas.

The fund’s goal is to broaden student perspectives and enhance personal growth. Permitted uses include travel in the United States and abroad as well as participation in internship and public service programs. Grants cannot be used for standard semester-abroad programs or for post-graduate travel.

Applicants must have been legal residents of Rhode Island for at least the past five years. Applications must include a description of the proposed activities, demonstrate clear purpose and show financial need. Full details are available on the foundation’s website.