Thank you for your interest in the Planet Aid Scholarship program.  This program is designed to give Planet Aid employees, family members, and others a unique opportunity to learn to be a change maker. 

Planet Aid will award 10, $2,500 scholarships to help colleagues, their family members, or others attend outstanding programs at One World Center, based in Michigan, or Richmond Vale Academy in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, to learn international development and community organizing skills. Any Planet Aid employee can nominate someone for a scholarship.  

Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates are responsible for applying and being accepted into one of the programs offered by One World Center or the Richmond Vale Academy. 

Follow these simple steps

1. Schedule a phone call via email with Dinorah Vences, HR Generalist and One World Center graduate. (dvences@planetaid.org)
2. Learn about and decide which program you wish to attend.
3. Apply and get accepted to one of the programs.
4. Complete the scholarship application or nomination form.
5. Prepare for your exciting educational journey. 

About the Programs

One World Center, Dowagiac, Mich.

One World Center (OWC) is a non-profit organization with a mission to inspire and empower ordinary people to take action against worldwide poverty and climate change. All programs emphasize travel as a powerful way to learn and understand the world, as traveling allows participants to see first-hand the challenges of development and climate change.

Volunteer Abroad—9 Month Program

This program aims to support efforts to tackle the root causes of poverty and build sustainable and thriving communities in developing nations. It includes:

• Three months of training on development and humanitarian work at OWC’s campus.
• Travel to and use of learned skills at projects in Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, or Brazil.

Volunteer Abroad—18 Month Program

The 18-month program affords participants more in-depth opportunities to lead change, gain greater understanding of development, and focus on career planning. It includes:

• Study at the Michigan campus in global affairs, politics, and economic development.
• Travel to Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, or Brazil to work in developing communities.

For more information visit www.oneworldcenter.org

Richmond Vale Academy, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Established in 2002, the Academy gives students the opportunity to directly influence positive change on the environment and in communities. Joining one of the programs at Richmond Vale Academy will equip you with knowledge, skills, understanding, and experience to better protect our precious planet.

Climate Compliance Program

This hands-on program was developed as a way to help Saint Vincent recover from severe weather disasters. It includes:

• Two months of training on global warming, climate change, pollution, the oceans, and other areas that impact Saint Vincent.
• Two months of engaging island communities by leading by example, raising awareness, and mobilizing people to take action.
• Two months to work on a project, such as producing a documentary, creating a radio program, or organizing community events.

Fighting with the Poor

This 10-month program has participants joining hands with global activists to work with the poor toward sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. It includes:

• Three months of training courses and other activities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to develop skills needed to work hands-on in developing nations.
• Stationing in either Belize or Ecuador to help tackle the root causes of poverty.
• Sharing of findings and delving into the best ways to evaluate effectiveness.

For more information visit www.richmondvale.org.