Fund Details
CC: China Center Study Abroad Scholarship 2023-2024

Brief Description:

The China Center offers a variety of scholarships to support University of Minnesota students who are pursuing an educational experience in Greater China.


Description:

The China Center Scholarship provides an opportunity for University of Minnesota students to incorporate an educational or research experience in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau as part of their academic studies, internships, research, or professional training. This scholarship can be used for the payment—partially or totally—of travel or tuition. Awards are typically $500 to $1,000.

The Hsiao Scholarship provides an opportunity for University of Minnesota students to incorporate an educational experience in China as part of their academic studies (including approved internships or professional training). This scholarship can be used for payment—partially or totally—of travel, tuition, or personal expenses. Awards are typically $500 to $1,000.  

Application Process:
  • Completed scholarship application
  • Faculty recommendation letter
  • Essay (undergraduate students) or research plan/study proposal (graduate students)
  • Current unofficial transcript

China Center Scholarship History:


The China Center Scholarship was created in 2004 by generous donations in honor of the China Center's 25th anniversary. The scholarship fund continues to be supported by individual and corporate donors to the China Center. This scholarship is often referred to as the "red pockets" scholarship in recognition of annual gifts made during the Chinese New Year holiday. In Chinese traditional culture, monetary gifts are put inside a red envelope (or "pocket" in Chinese) and given during holidays or special occasions.


History of the Hsiao Scholarship:

The Hsiao Scholarship was established in 2001 by Jennie and Fred Hsiao, recognized leaders in the Chinese-American community in Minnesota. Fred Hsiao, who was born in Shaanxi Province in China, went to the United States in 1945 to pursue an advanced degree in engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After earning a master of engineering, he enrolled in a Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota. He left the University in 1949 to work fulltime for the Orville E. Madsen construction company, eventually becoming vice president, using the name of Fred Shaw for his business dealings.  Jennie Hsiao, an active and energetic leader and volunteer in the Twin Cities Chinese-American community, was born in Hunan Province in China.  Fred and Jennie were married in Minneapolis in 1958. In 1974, Fred Hsiao and Lyle Lundquist formed Shaw-Lundquist Associates, Inc, which by 2003 was recognized as the largest minority-owned construction business in the Midwest. In 2004 Fred was inducted into the National Association of Minority Contractors Hall of Fame. Fred passed away in 2010, and Jennie continues to be an active supporter of the China Center and the Hsiao Scholarship recipients.



Special Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicant must be a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree student enrolled in a degree-seeking program at the University of Minnesota
  • Applicant must be in good academic standing, with at least a 3.0 GPA, and show potential in their field
  • Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Hsiao Scholarship)


Contact Information:

For questions about this application, please contact China Center at chinactr@umn.edu

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