For the ninth time in 10 years, Swarthmore is among the top producers of U.S. Fulbright students with eight recent alumni receiving the honor with the College’s backing.

This year, Alana Ballagh ’22, Bethany Bronkema ’22, Anuk DeSilva ’22, Madeleine Palden ’22, Lilly Price ’20, Anna Suh ’22, Madeline Sutliff ’22, and Dulce Ventura ’22 received grants through Swarthmore’s sponsorship. An additional student endorsed by the College was offered a Fulbright grant but declined in order to pursue other opportunities.

"Swatties are curious, intellectually ambitious, and eager to expand their world view," says Melissa Mandos, Swarthmore’s fellowships and prizes adviser, who guides the Fulbright application process. "These are qualities that resonate with the Fulbright program. Through Fulbright, our grantees have pursued their academic and professional goals while engaging in community and building lifelong relationships with colleagues abroad."

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries” and encourages collaboration in developing ideas and addressing international concerns. Fellowships are awarded to American students, young professionals, and artists through a national merit-based competition for study, research, internships, and/or service abroad.