ECU alumni endow disability scholarship
A new endowed scholarship for students with disabilities has been created at East Carolina University, while applications open for a fully-funded 2027 young leaders fellowship in the USA.
Two distinct funding opportunities for students and young leaders have been announced. At East Carolina University, a scholarship for students with disabilities has been endowed by alumni, and a global fellowship program for 2027 is now accepting applications.
ECU Disability Scholarship
East Carolina University alumni Steve and Bonnie Smith have established an endowed scholarship to support students whose disabilities affect their college experience. The Stephen C. & Bonnie S. Smith Endowed Scholarship was created in honor of Steve's brother, Greg, a 1976 ECU graduate who had cerebral palsy.
The idea for the scholarship originated from an unexpected phone call from the ECU Foundation to the Smiths. Steve Smith said the concept was not initially on their radar, but the conversation led to its creation. He explained that the scholarship provides financial aid to a student with a disability that interferes with their student experience, noting that such assistance can be key. The first scholarship celebration event for these types of awards was held on October 9, recognizing scholarships and recipients outside of other specific scholar programs.
At the event, donors who funded more than $750,000 in general scholarships were recognized. Associate Provost Dr. Allen Guidry told recipients the scholarships were a sign of their accomplishments and a statement of belief in their future achievements. He added that this financial support helps reduce stress and creates flexibility for deeper engagement in studies. Two current recipients are Charlie Bender, a sophomore theatre major, and Chloe Veeder, a junior theatre arts major. Both students met the Smiths at the reception, with Veeder expressing gratitude that the donors turned a personal challenge into a source of help for students. Steve Smith reflected that the scholarship has become more meaningful over time as they meet the students who benefit.
MCW Young Leaders Fellowship
Applications are open for the MCW Young Leaders Fellowship 2027, a fully funded exchange program in the United States for young people aged 18 to 26 from around the world. The 10-day in-person program will run from July 20 to July 29, 2027, in New York and Burlington, Vermont, and is open to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students from all academic backgrounds.
The program is designed for young leaders who want to develop skills to address global challenges in education, health, and economic security. It begins with a one-month virtual assessment phase focused on community mapping. After the 10-day U.S. experience, participants enter a virtual project implementation phase to execute ideas in their communities. The fellowship provides comprehensive financial coverage.
Eligible applicants must identify a community issue in education, health, or economic security, be fluent in English, and be eligible for appropriate visa and travel documentation. Required application materials include a form, resume, two letters of recommendation, and essay questions. The deadline to apply is December 3, 2026.
