3 Pitt students earned Boren Awards to study languages abroad

Three University of Pittsburgh students have earned 2025 Boren Awards for International Study, which will fund their study of critical languages abroad in support of their academic and career goals.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and administered by the Institute of International Education, the Boren Awards provide undergraduate and graduate students with funding to study less commonly taught languages in regions critical to U.S. interests around the world. In exchange, recipients commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation.

This year’s winners are:

• John Danvers is a graduate student in the School of Public and International Affairs. He will study Turkish in Turkey.
• Kate McManus, a junior microbiology major in the in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences and David C. Frederick Honors College, will study Russian in Estonia.
• Michael Sipper is a senior political science major in the Dietrich School and Frederick Honors College. He will study Turkish in Turkey.

“The Boren Awards reflect a deep commitment to global engagement and public service, values we prioritize at the University of Pittsburgh,” said Frederick Honors College Dean Nicola Foote. “We are thrilled to see Michael, Kate, and John take this important step toward building the language skills and international expertise that will prepare them for meaningful, impactful careers.”

Interested in applying for a national scholarship? Pitt students can receive advising support through the Frederick Honors College’s Office of National Scholarships and Post-Graduation Success.