Programs
The Western Union Foundation invests in programs that help create economic opportunity for people who migrate. Working with our partners, we provide tools and resources for job opportunities, scholarships for higher education, and direct aid in times of crisis to help communities rebuild.
According to the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, there is a frequent misalignment between schooling and the skills required by employers. This is why we work with innovative nonprofits to ensure young adults have access to skill building, education, and training needed for quality employment opportunities.
Our Nonprofit Partners
We believe access to higher education is a key pathway to success, and is out of reach for too many young people. Our Western Union Scholars program helps fund high-potential, in-need students who are struggling to afford to graduate.
Scholarships since 2017
How to nominate
The Foundation works with the Institute of International Education to accept nominations, select awardees, and distribute the scholarships. Interested students must be nominated by a representative from their higher education institution.
Eligibility requirements include:
Western Union Global Scholarship
- Must be an international student already enrolled in the forthcoming academic year (or a corresponding timeframe for universities with other semester systems) and preferably residing in one of the following countries of study: US, UK, Europe, Singapore, Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
- Must be enrolled in the final (senior) or penultimate (junior) year of a full-time undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree program at an accredited higher education institution in any of the countries/regions listed above.
- Must be able to demonstrate financial need.
- Must be in good academic standing, have high ambitions, and a demonstrated commitment to their chosen field of study.
Project Finish Line Scholarship
- Must be a student that identifies as black, indigenous, or a person of color currently enrolled in their final (senior) or penultimate (junior) year of their undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited higher education institution in the United States.
- Must be able to demonstrate financial need.
- Must be in good academic standing, have high ambitions, and a demonstrated commitment to a STEM or business field of study.
If you believe you meet all of the eligibility requirements above and are interested in applying for a scholarship for a future school year, please contact your school’s administration. For any further questions, please email WUFoundation@iie.org.
Read more about our 2022-2023 Western Union Scholars here.
Who are our Western Union Scholars?
Our Western Union Scholars demonstrate academic excellence, aspire to achieve, persevere through challenges, and have a sense of community.
Aspiration
They have the drive to better themselves by studying subjects that will position them to have successful careers.
Perseverance
They have the determination to achieve their educational and life goals, despite challenges or obstacles.
Community
They desire to make the world a better place as global citizens and community leaders.
Our Nonprofit Partner
The Western Union Foundation serves immediate needs and helps rebuild communities following natural disasters and humanitarian crises – a leading cause of forced migration around the world.
Community impact
COVID-19
We responded quickly at the pandemic’s onset to support domestic and global nonprofits serving vulnerable populations and urgent areas of need. Along with securing equipment for frontline healthcare workers, these efforts included hunger relief, medical training, and other essential services. Learn more about our immediate response and ongoing commitment to long-term economic recovery efforts.
Our Nonprofit Partners
Join Us
Our hope is that each of you will consider joining the Western Union Foundation’s Opportunity Beyond Borders mission and join us in advocating for a world where there is more equal opportunity for all.
The Western Union Foundation is a separate charitable corporation that is tax-exempt under §501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code, contributions to which are tax-deductible for US income tax purposes. The Foundation receives support from the Western Union Company, its employees, agents and business partners. The Foundation funds efforts to connect underserved populations to the global economy through education and supports humanitarian relief for communities in crisis.
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