To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Darrius Hamilton and I am a junior Broadcast Journalism major, Business Administration minor from Atlanta, Georgia, attending Howard University. I’m a proud member of The Gates Millennium Scholars Program and a recipient of their scholarship, which is a full scholarship award to any university in the country for 5 years. I am also a brother of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity here at Howard University. Since starting here at Howard, I have been honored with making Deans list each semester and I have maintained a 3.7 GPA.

This summer I have the esteemed opportunity to participate in a month long study abroad program at the Universitat Autònoma, located in Barcelona, Spain. I am writing you today to request your sponsorship and support, to ensure that I will be able to take full advantage of this study abroad program. Howard University’s School of Arts and Sciences sponsors this study abroad program and I will be leaving on June 26th, 2013 and returning July 25th, 2013.

This pass semester marks my 4th semester I have taken and excelled in a Spanish course at Howard. At the university in Spain, I will be continuing my education in Spanish with the hopes of becoming fluent. Classes will be Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm. I will be receiving 6 credits that will be transferred over to my Howard University transcript. While in Spain I will be staying in a home-stay, with a host family. I believe staying with a host family will be very beneficial to my experience in Spain as I can immerse myself in the language outside of the classroom. I am also looking forward to the experiences outside of the classroom. As an individual that has never traveled outside the United States, I am going to value the cultural aspect of this opportunity, just as much as the educational aspect. Both aspects of this program will aid me in my academic and professional goals. While in Spain I plan on documenting, editing and creating a weekly webisode series, so I can continue to update my family, friends and sponsors on my experiences while in Spain. During the webisode series I will be sure to acknowledge all my sponsors, and I will be more than willing to provide documentation for sponsors to write about their sponsorship, and use any video footage from my travels.
It’s crucial that I take advantage of such an opportunity in my college career so that as I age in my studies, I will be able to apply my newly found knowledge in all aspects of my education, leadership, and life. It will enable me to be socially conscious of a different background, society, community, and history. I will be able to gain a new type of perspective and become more relatable and sensitive to others from a different area around the world. An opportunity such as this will teach me to be adaptable and open to other people and our differences.
I’m asking you as a supporter of my academic endeavors to assist me in funding this trip. In total, I need to raise $3,500 to ensure that I am able to attend the university in Spain and any amount of money would be greatly appreciated and will push me that much closer to taking advantage of this opportunity. As a student, it is my job to contribute to the Howard community and the world. An experience like this will enhance my capabilities to make a significant difference in my life as well as others.

Sincerely,
Darrius Hamilton