Although their campaign has concluded, if you would still like to make a donation to support the OCC PittAdvantage Grant, you may always do so here.

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The PittAdvantage provides undergraduate students who have completed the Outside of the Classroom Curriculum (OCC) financial assistance for a study abroad experience, an unpaid internship, or service learning project. This grant is designed to enhance the college experience of students and directly links to the purpose of the OCC: helping students receive a well-rounded education and ultimately gain a competitive edge for the job marketplace or graduate/professional school.

Past PittAdvantage Grant Recipient, Brett Curtis, studied abroad in Timor-Leste. Above he is showing his Pitt Pride with the Topu Honis kids that he met.

About the OCC

The overwhelming majority of every college student's experience takes place outside of the classroom. The OCC is a University-wide initiative and co-curricular program that is designed to help students receive a well-rounded education and gain skills needed for employment or graduate school. The OCC is a collection of experiences, programs, and events at Pitt that help students to make the most of their collegiate experience. Open to all Pitt students, regardless of major or career path, the OCC helps students develop highly desirable character traits and life skills. (Check out our different funding levels to the right to see the 10 OCC goal areas!)

By engaging in a wide range of programs and experiences connected to the OCC, students will:

• Receive a well-rounded education
• Discover the many great resources and programs at Pitt
• Connect with their peers
• Gain a competitive edge for success in future careers or graduate/professional schools

Past PittAdvantage Grant Recipient, Taylor Giambrone, participated in service learning in Las Salinas, Nicaragua. Above she is shown outside of the FIMRC Clinic that she served with.

Background of the PittAdvantage Grant:

Employers and graduate schools value well-rounded students who demonstrate initiative and drive. Students who are awarded the PittAdvantage Grant are part of the top 10% of students who complete the OCC. The PittAdvantage is a grant program that provides financial assistance to these undergraduate students for either a study abroad experience, an unpaid internship, or service learning project. This is the fourth year that we will be awarding this grant to students with the goal of helping to alleviate costs associated with these invaluable learning experiences. The purpose of the grant expands upon the mission of the OCC - to help students receive a well-rounded education that ultimately sets them apart in the job marketplace or graduate/professional school.

In the past, The PittAdvantage grant has helped 85 Pitt students study abroad, intern, or participate in service learning in 35 different countries.

Past PittAdvantage Grant Recipient, Brandon McCracken, studied abroad in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica. Above he is shown assisting researchers with turtle eggs at Pacuare Nature Reserve.

Our goal:

Funds raised through this campaign will provide direct support for students who are participating in a study abroad program, service learning experience, or an unpaid internship. Our goal this year is to raise $7,500, which will provide 5 scholarships of $1,500 to those student who have gone above and beyond outside of the classroom. While modest, this amount can provide the crucial difference to our undergraduates -- covering costs of airfare, housing, personal expenses, and other associated program fees. Awardees will be chosen based on seriousness of purpose, leadership and initiative, and goals.

Past PittAdvantage Grant Recipient, Jacob O'Neal, studied abroad in Cusco, Peru. Above he is shown sporting his OCC Honorary Society sweatshirt by the Moray Terraces.

THANK YOU FOR VISITING OUR PAGE!  YOUR DONATION LITERALLY MEANS THE WORLD TO OUR STUDENTS!!