Via International Scholars

Overview
Via International Scholars recognizes and engages university students of distinction in a
unique continuum of learning and development through direct and ongoing interaction and
exchange with leaders of transformative initiatives. Along with emergent leaders, these
scholars participate with universities, non-profit organizations, corporations, public offices and
communities to hone their awareness and skill in arenas of sustainability, social justice, and
environmental responsibility.

Via International - has 35 years of experience working in the US/Mexico border region. In
that time the organization has developed a model of community development that integrates
nutrition and ecology classes, micro-credit and leadership education. Programs are
complemented with “voluntourists” (volunteer travelers to the region). The visitors learn about
development and work with local residents to complete community-defined initiatives. Now
leveraging the many years of experience, Via International is launching an Institute for
Community Development and VolunTourism, supporting other organizations and
community groups in other regions of the world to adapt these strategies to their reality.

Scholars
Via International Scholars will be selected from host universities and will join a national and
eventually international cohort of youth leadership. Phase One will include 6 students from
University of San Diego and 6 students from Virginia Tech University.

Engagement and Exchange

Via International Scholars will attend preliminary sessions and participate in the preparation
and production of the biannual Global Gathering in October 2009 at USD in San Diego and
the following Global Gathering in April 2010 at Virginia Tech University. Via Youth Scholars
participate in planning sessions, training seminars, and unique service learning experiences,
and will research, facilitate, and orchestrate presentations at the event. Via International
Scholars will be invited to attend dialogues, panels, seminars, classes, and sessions at the
Global Gathering and will also work directly with international transformational and emergent
leaders through interviews, event workshops, support material development, projects, site
visits, educational travel, exchanges, and mentoring. Via International Scholars will attend the
first Global Gathering and the Second Global Gathering.

Process of Participation
Via International Scholars will be recommended by participating host universities and
selected in collaboration with Via International. Participants will embody excellence of mind,
character, and spirit combined with a commitment to leadership, service, and social
transformation. Individuals selected will be reliable, hard-working, enthusiastic, and curious
with sound scholastic attainments and interest in the well-being of others and the earth.

Commitments
Attend one preliminary leadership development session
Participate in one service learning experience
Assist with Global Gathering event production to include research.
Make one presentation at Global Gathering event.
Be committed to becoming part of an on-going network of community leaders.