The Freddy Miranda Professional Development Grant was established by StudyIowa in memory of Freddy Miranda, Director of International Affairs at Indian Hills Community College and passionate advocate of international education in the State of Iowa.

Professional Development Grants are awarded to applicants employed at Study Iowa institutions in international recruitment/admissions and/or international student services who require financial support to take part in international education professional development and networking opportunities such as professional conferences or workshops.  Examples of conferences might include, but are not limited to, International ACAC conference, Region IV NAFSA, etc. The grant is designed to allow Iowa international education professionals the opportunity to build professional knowledge and networks, even if their institution does not provide financial support for conference attendance.  

The maximum amount of the grant is $500, which is intended to cover registration costs.  Travel costs are also allowable. Applicants are encouraged to be creative in finding cost-share from their institution, or seeking discounts, such as the NAFSA Region IV Very Motivated Presenter discount (VMP), or other opportunities to reduce costs.

While grants are available to all, individuals in the following categories are especially encouraged to apply:

    1. Student (seeking to enter international education field)

    2. Newcomer (five years or fewer in the international education field)

    3. Community College professional

    4. International Recruitment

    5. Lack of funding (two years or more since attended regional or national conference)

Grants will be awarded based on answers to the essay questions in the application. Applications are due on May 1, 2023.

Decisions will be made in Summer 2023. Any questions can be emailed to studyiowa@gmail.com