Fund Your Degree

In memory of alumna Chelsea Olson ’13, friends, family, colleagues, and classmates created a scholarship to honor her legacy. Chelsea dedicated her career to education and spent 17 years at Thunderbird, providing key business, strategy, and operational support, which impacted nearly all those connected with the School during her tenure. Given her love of education, adventure, and travel, this scholarship honors Chelsea’s memory by providing students the opportunity to pursue summer experiential learning.

Criteria:

• Current student enrolled in an MGM program
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 
• Preference will be given to students wanting to travel to Norway, Russia, Ireland, Scotland, Panama, and Spain, noted by Chelsea’s family as a few of her favorite destinations.

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) explaining financial need and how this experience will help the student accomplish their personal goals.
• Post-trip follow-up: Students who receive this award are also expected to provide a post-trip essay summarizing their experience and what they learned 
   

Created in honor of two incredible Thunderbird alumni, Dave Fisher and Mitch Kanai, this scholarship support students who strive for excellence and are committed to cultivating a global mindset.

Criteria:

• Continuing students welcome to apply
• Minimum GPA of 3.6 preferred but not required
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to internationalism, language, culture, and business training 

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) explaining financial need and how this support will help the student accomplish their professional goals.
   

Alumnus Dennis King ‘81 created this scholarship in honor of his late wife, Anita, to ensure Thunderbird students have the opportunity to gain meaningful experience abroad that will enhance their future global careers. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Mr. King is keenly aware of the impact of immersive cultural experiences, and wishes to provide those experiences for others. 

This scholarship provides a stipend for Thunderbird students to help offset the costs associated with summer travel opportunities like conferences or summer internships. 

Criteria:

• Currently enrolled in a Thunderbird program

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double spaced) outlining financial need and the summer travel opportunity the scholarship would help fund 
• Post-trip follow-up: Students who receive this award are also expected to provide a post-trip essay summarizing their experience and what they learned 
   

Named in memory of Matthew Simis’ grandparents, Donald and Barbara Hart, this scholarship was generously funded by Matthew and alumnus Michael Gray ’88. Donald and Barbara loved Phoenix and attending ASU football games. Donald even used to farm very near the old Thunderbird Campus in Glendale. This scholarship provides funding to Thunderbird students to honor the Hart legacy. 

Criteria:

• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply

Application:

• Resume
• Cover letter (one page)
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) describing what led you to apply to Thunderbird and how the Thunderbird experience will enhance and contribute to your career opportunities
   

Created in memory of alumnus Ken Seward, a true internationalist who lived in five countries and spoke three languages. He served in the U.S. Navy prior to attending Thunderbird, and also served on the Board of Trustees at Thunderbird for more than 30 years. Mr. Seward believed in leading through philanthropy, and his legacy at Thunderbird has far-reaching impact. 

Criteria:

• Continuing students welcome to apply
• Minimum GPA of 3.6 preferred but not required
• Campus and/or community leadership and service while at Thunderbird preferred

Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) explaining financial need and how this support will help the student accomplish their professional goals.
   

This scholarship fund was created in memory of beloved alumnus Jose Cattani ’89. After graduating, Cattani became a long-term Thunderbird Ambassador in Latin America. He also initiated the 25-year reunion of his graduating class in May of 2019, rekindling old friendships and the magical Thunderbird spirit. In memory of his jovial spirit and dedication the School, Cattani’s classmates established a scholarship in his name at Thunderbird to honor his legacy.

Criteria:

• Student must be a citizen of a Latin American country 
• Minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply. 

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) describing financial need and how this scholarship would benefit your career goals 
   

After graduating from Thunderbird alumna Karen J. Simon embarked on an impressive, inspiring career in the corporate world, forging a path for future women. She created this scholarship to empower and enable fellow female T-birds through philanthropy and mentorship. Ms. Simon’s support inspires and influences the next generation of global female leaders attending Thunderbird. 

Criteria:

• Applicants must have been admitted to Thunderbird’s full-time Master of Global Management degree program. 
• Must demonstrate financial need and commitment to other areas of endeavor, such as volunteerism, involvement in sports, or leadership roles in worthwhile organizations. 
• Preference for female candidates with outstanding academic and/or professional achievement. 
• Test scores, undergraduate GPA, and relevant work experience are all taken into consideration. 
• Once awarded, the award recipient must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher.

Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 500-word OR two-page, double-spaced essay that describes how a Thunderbird education will impact your career path. 
   

Karen J. Simon generously created a scholarship in support of studying abroad with Semester at Sea, in addition to her scholarship supporting women leaders. 

Criteria:

• Current student enrolled in an undergraduate program at Thunderbird 
• GPA will be highly considered, and a minimum 3.0 GPA is preferred, though there is no specific GPA required. 
• Students must be accepted into the SAS program through ASU before being considered for this award

Application:

• Resume 
• Essay (two pages maximum) answering the following prompts: 
  • Which semester will you be enrolled in SAS: Fall 2023 or Spring 2024?
  • Tell us about yourself, both personally and professionally 
  • Why you are the best candidate for this scholarship. How will SAS benefit you?  What excites you about the opportunity, what do you want to learn while abroad, and how will SAS fit into your greater career goals?
  • Given a maximum award amount of $25,000, how much funding are you requesting?
    

The Janis and Milly Kahvush Educational and Cultural Trust is committed to supporting Latvian students and providing rich educational experiences. By establishing this scholarship, the Trust will create life-changing opportunities for Latvian students interested in pursuing global business, leadership, and management education.

Criteria:

• Student must be a citizen of Latvia and be enrolled or accepted into a Thunderbird program. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) outlining eligibility and financial need 
   

Created in memory of Thunderbird alumnus Martin Lentz ‘65. A native of Phoenix, Mr. Lentz served in the U.S. Navy prior to pursing his degree at Thunderbird. His educational background and life objectives led him to a 29-year career working in international marketing, sales, project management, and to assure corporate compliance with U.S. export policy throughout the world. These scholarship awards will encourage and assist worthy students in pursuit of their interest in global management.

Criteria:

• Incoming students welcome to apply
• Minimum GPA of 3.2 
• U.S. Citizen
• Preference for students who possess successful work experience in a business setting and have documented financial need as defined by ASU Financial Aid 

Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) explaining financial need and how this experience will help the student accomplish their professional goals.
   

Created to honor the memory of beloved Thunderbird alumnus and entrepreneur Michael Milburn ’77 by his closest T-bird friends. This scholarship provides funding to encourage and support future global entrepreneurs. 

Criteria:

• Student must be a resident of the U.S.
• 3.25 GPA or greater
• Enrolled in an MGM program
• Interested in entrepreneurship
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two-page double spaced) describing what being an entrepreneur means to you and what your entrepreneurial career goals are
• Recommendations from entrepreneurship professors, if available. 
   

As a member of America’s armed forces, you understand the intricacies and challenges of working across cultures in today’s interconnected global environment. Thunderbird School of Global Management was established by Lt. General Barton Kyle Yount in 1946 as an educational institution committed to preparing leaders who could bridge cultural gaps through ethical, culturally astute business practices. In his memory, and in recognition of your service, we offer US military applicants exclusive benefits such as application fee waivers and various scholarship opportunities. Thunderbird students are also eligible for scholarship and financing resources are available through the Pat Tillman Veterans Center.

Created in honor of alumnus Michael Nissman’s ’70 parents, Ruth and Morris, this scholarship benefits students in financial need. In generously supporting this award, Mr. Nissman sought only to provide aid where it is most needed, to ensure any struggling students have the support they need to succeed as future global business leaders.  

Criteria:

• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two-pages, double spaced) describing financial need and career goals
   

This scholarship fund was established by alumnus Dr. Se-Ung Lee ‘70. Dr. Lee’s career and willingness to foster future generations of global leaders represents Thunderbird at its best. He has achieved great successes in business, education, and the arts. Dr. Lee is committed to developing a world crafted by sustainable businesses, economies, cultures and environments. In addition to this scholarship, he also provided crucial support to establish a global hub in Seoul.

Critera:

• Enrolled in a full-time Thunderbird program
• Pursing a degree with a concentration in Asian countries

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) describing the student’s connection to and plans for their career in Asia
   

This scholarship fund is generously supported by all the alumni who make contributions to the Thunderbird Scholarship Fund each year.

Criteria:

• Demonstrate relevant work experience and/or significant non-tourism overseas experience. 
• Second non-native language (conversational or better) preferred.
• Participation in volunteer work and extracurricular leadership experience. 
• GPA and GMAT scores will be considered.
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Application:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Essay (two pages, double spaced) explaining how a Thunderbird education will impact your career goals and how you intend to contribute to the Thunderbird alumni network. 
   

This scholarship fund is generously supported by Thunderbird School of Global Management’s Alumni Association members, who are integral to the growth and success of our School.

Criteria:

• Meet Thunderbird's general admissions requirements 
• Possess outstanding academic and/or relevant professional achievement, GMAT and other test scores and undergraduate GPA. 
• Demonstrated financial need as defined by ASU Financial Aid and Scholarship Services but together with planned TIAA Member Scholarship award, has demonstrated the ability to complete coursework required for graduation. 
• Documented an explicit desire or otherwise demonstrated a commitment to advancing international commerce upon graduation from Thunderbird. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Application:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) describing financial need and how this scholarship would benefit you, as well as an explanation of your interests and commitment to advancing international commerce. 
   

This scholarship fund was created by RPCV and Thunderbird alumna Susan Hayes ‘72. To honor the alumni who supported her when she returned from her Peace Corps service, Ms. Hayes created this fund to help future generations of RPCVs. 

Criteria:

• Student must be a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who has one of the following designated statuses: 
  • Completed the full two-year tour of Peace Corps service or are otherwise given ‘Description of Service” (DOS)
  • Medically separated
  • ‘Interrupted service’ status 
• Leadership skills and extracurricular activities will be considered in addition to financial need. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply.

Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Documentation confirming service status 
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) describing how a Thunderbird education will impact the applicant’s career path
   

This scholarship fund was created by Thunderbird alumnus Shinichi “Shin” Hosokawa ’01, whose career embodies the famous Thunderbird intersection of business and culture. His desire to help students from Japan benefit from Thunderbird as he did is reflective of his continued dedication and service to the School.

Criteria:

• Student must be a citizen of Japan
• Minimum GPA of 3.0. 
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply 

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) outlining eligibility and financial need
   

This scholarship fund is generously supported by an ever-growing group of alumni who donate to support Veteran education at Thunderbird.

Criteria:

• Student must be a U.S. Veteran; this scholarship is an additional source of funding that does not reduce VA education benefits
• Must be able to provide proof of military status
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Incoming and continuing students are welcome to apply 

• Both online and in-person students welcome to apply

Application:

• Resume
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) outlining eligibility, financial need and how you plan to contribute to the Thunderbird Veteran Student Experience 
   

Alumnus Kenneth Valvur has credited his experience at Thunderbird as especially transformative, noting that he arrived as an English-speaking Canadian accountant and left as a Japanese-speaking investment banker with a new-found entrepreneurial spirit. By establishing the Valvur Family Scholarship, Mr. Valvur will support outstanding students from his native Canada; the Baltic states, in celebration of his family’s Estonian heritage; and Japan, which influenced so much of his career. 

Criteria:

• Demonstrate outstanding academic and professional achievement
• Citizen of Canada, Japan or the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia or Lithuania) preferred
• Both incoming and continuing MGM students are welcome to apply
   

Application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Essay (two pages, double-spaced) explaining financial need and how this support will help the student accomplish their professional goals.
   

Thunderbird is pleased to offer alumni of the Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) and the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program a scholarship opportunity for qualified Master of Global Management (MGM), Master of Leadership and Management (MLM), Executive Master of Global Management (EMGM), Executive Master of Global Management: Space Leadership, Business, and Policy (EMGM-Space), and Executive Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management (EMAGAM) applicants. 

Eligibility:

• Gilman OR CLS alumni
• You must meet the admissions requirements for one of the following Thunderbird degree programs: MGM, MLM, EMGM, EMGM-Space, EMAGAM 
• You must complete your Gilman OR CLS study abroad program by the time of enrollment
• To apply for these funds, write in your status as a Gilman Program or CLS alum on your Thunderbird Scholarship application 

Resources and information about Thunderbird and ASU's partnership with the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) can be found at https://nbmbaa.org/arizona-state-university/. Candidates selected for this scholarship will receive the award reflected as Thunderbird Alumni Scholarship awards. 

Thunderbird is pleased to offer Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) Master of Global Management (MGM) applicants an opportunity to apply for a Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship.

If chosen as a Coverdell Fellow you will:

• You will receive tuition assistance
• Earn a master’s degree that will enhance your earning power and marketability with employers
• Provide much-needed assistance to underserved American communities.

The deadline for fall entering MGM Coverdell applications is March 1st. To read more regarding the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship Program at Thunderbird and Arizona State University, please click here.