By William H. Kelly III
JACKSON, Miss. – Jackson State University’s Jayla Jones is the recipient of a Global Gateways Inaugural International Summer Study Abroad Scholarship. As a result, Jones will attend ITESO (Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente) University in Guadalajara, Mexico, from May 19-June 17, 2023.
The scholarship financially supports students who wish to study abroad, immerse themselves in new cultures, broaden their educational experiences, and develop a global perspective.
Jones, an English education major from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is one of three students selected for the inaugural class amongst many HBCU applicants nationwide. The sophomore is also a student in the W.E.B. Du Bois Honors College at JSU.
“I’ve always wanted to travel the world, but I’ve never been granted the opportunity or access to do that, but this gave me the opportunity, and I’m eternally grateful,” said Jones, who said she has always had an interest in Mesoamerican culture.
The scholarship covers passport fees, tuition, housing, and meal plans. Before departure, Global Gateways provides each student mentorship, support with understanding and navigating new spaces, and conversational Spanish classes.
JSU alum and Global Gateways founder Shameka Reed says the scholarship is about leveling the playing field and creating more opportunities for students at HBCUs.”
“When I founded Global Gateways, my whole intent was to provide more affordable global
educational opportunities for students attending HBCUs. I’m a proud product of an HBCU and formerly worked in the JSUGlobal office as the international marketing and recruitment specialist, where I also oversaw the study abroad program,” said Reed. “I know students want to study abroad but can’t afford the astronomical price that is often associated. Of the 165,000 college students that study abroad each year, only 5% to 6% are Black. The number one barrier is money.”
Reed said they aim to alleviate the financial pain point by creating affordable programs and providing scholarships.
“I’ve had students share how they acquired jobs and graduate schools of their choice because of their global experiences, so I have seen firsthand how impactful and life-changing global experiences are,” she shared.
Jones is one of three students awarded a scholarship due to their exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, genuine interest in global education, and commitment to positively impacting their communities.
“This is going to be an opportunity for a big change in my life, and I’m so welcoming of it. I’m most excited about the cultural engagement I’ll experience there,” said Jones, who further mentioned that she is looking forward to trying elote, aka Mexican street corn, while abroad.
Her assigned mentor and guide at ITESO is making sure Jones walks away with a memorable experience.
“We’ve already been making plans to see some of the places in Guadalajara. They have an amusement park, a petting zoo, and an aquarium,” she said.
Post-graduation, Jones said she plans to continue her education in the UK and pursue a master’s in political science.
A Mississippi-based non-profit organization, Global Gateways was founded in 2018. In addition to creating study abroad programs and offering study abroad scholarships for HBCU students, Global Gateways also operates language and culture enrichment after-school and summer camp programs for elementary-age students in the Jackson Public School District.
The Lighthouse Black Girl Projects and United Way of the Capital Area, Inc funded the international summer scholarship.
Media contact: William H. Kelly III, william.h.kelly@jsums.edu
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