The Vira I. Heinz Program for Global Leadership (VIH Program) is a powerful leadership development and civic engagement program, providing funding to support a summer study abroad experience and the scaffolding to maximize learning as a result.
The VIH Program prepares awardees for tomorrow's global challenges by offering a unique opportunity for global experiences, leadership development, and civic engagement. Universities and colleges across Pennsylvania participate in the VIH Program. Students from each of the participating institutions apply, and through a selection process, are admitted into the program. Awardees typically receive up to $8,500 to apply toward the costs of a summer experience that is an approved, credit-bearing, academic, study abroad program of at least 4 weeks over the summer. Additional funding may be available to students in need.
Participation in VIH Program will be a student’s first academic experience abroad. Applicants should demonstrate interest in VIH thematic areas such as civic participation and leadership and can expect supplementary learning opportunities as part of their time in the program in addition to their summer study abroad. Program specifics may vary year to year, but the generous funding provided by The Heinz Endowments is at the core of empowering students to embark on a meaningful international learning opportunity as part of their leadership journey. The VIH Program is administratively based at The University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. Please see the application and eligibility requirements for important information.
Waynesburg University is a participating institution in the VIH Program for Global Leadership. Please visit https://viraheinz.pitt.edu/ or email vihprogram@pitt.edu for more information.
Questions about the VIH Program for Global Leadership?
Pat Bristor, Associate Dean of Students, is the coordinator for this program at Waynesburg University. Please contact her if you have any questions!
To access program application, visit www.viraheinz.pitt.edu
About Vira I. Heinz
Vira I. Heinz, 1888-1983
In a city known for its active and concerned civic leaders, Vira I. Heinz was among the foremost. She was born Vira M. Ingham in what is now Pittsburgh's Brighton Heights neighborhood. In 1932 she married Clifford S. Heinz, son of Henry J. Heinz, founder of the food processing company. Clifford Heinz died in 1935. During more than four decades that followed, Mrs. Heinz was active in the philanthropic and civic work for which she is now remembered.
She did so much for so many that it would be impossible to list the full range of her activities. A few of the more prominent included serving as vice president of the World Council of Christian Education and becoming an active supporter of its work in Africa. She was a founder of the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, president and principal benefactor of the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony, and a member of the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society, Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Symphony Society boards.
Mrs. Vira I. Heinz received the Chancellor's Medal from the University of Pittsburgh and honorary degrees from 11 colleges and universities. She was a trustee of Chatham College and the first woman trustee of Carnegie Mellon University. She served as a member of the board of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh and was an honorary fellow of the American College of Hospital Administrators. As a member of the H. J. Heinz Co. board, she was the first woman board member of a multinational corporation headquartered in Pittsburgh. In the spirit of generosity that characterized her life, Mrs. Vira I. Heinz provided in her will for the establishment of a charitable foundation.