University of Arizona receives $20 million gift commitment from the Garcia Family Foundation to expand access to study abroad

The University of Arizona has received a $20 million gift commitment from the Garcia Family Foundation to expand access to credit-bearing study abroad programs for students with financial need. The investment, the largest of its kind for the university's study abroad program, will help make study abroad a defining feature of the U of A student experience.

"This historic investment from the Garcia Family Foundation will transform study abroad at the University of Arizona, providing more students with life-changing global experiences while ensuring their timely progression towards a degree," said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. "We are so grateful to the Garcia Family Foundation for this landmark gift, and I look forward to seeing our students reap benefits from this amazing opportunity."

The Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad will reduce financial barriers that have historically prevented many students from pursuing global learning opportunities. The scholarship supports the university's goal of tripling study abroad participation by 2029, with the first cohort of recipients to be awarded in spring 2026. As part of this transformation, the U of A is enhancing academic advising and clarifying course equivalencies for students to ensure study abroad fits seamlessly into their education.

The Garcia Family Foundation was established by Arizona philanthropist and businessman Ernest Garcia II and his wife, Joanne. Its mission includes expanding educational access and economic opportunity for underserved populations. The foundation's gift reflects a shared vision with university leadership to ensure every student can benefit from global experiences.

"We are very excited to provide more opportunities for academic and personal growth to underserved Arizona students. Study abroad expands perspectives and horizons, and reflects our strong belief in the unlimited potential of these students to make a difference," said Garcia Family Foundation President Jon Ehlinger.

Study abroad programs at the university span a wide range of formats, from short-term, faculty-led courses to semester and yearlong programs in more than 30 countries. Until now, financial barriers have kept many students from even considering participation.

"Study abroad is one of the most powerful ways we can prepare students for success in a global society," said Patricia Prelock, University of Arizona provost and chief academic officer. "It blends coursework with cultural immersion and fosters an appreciation for unique societal perspectives. Thanks to the Garcia Family Foundation, these life-changing opportunities will now be a foundational part of the U of A student experience."

John-Paul Roczniak, president and CEO of the University of Arizona Foundation, called the gift both an inflection point and an invitation.

"With this incredible support from the Garcia Family Foundation, we're telling our students and our community that the University of Arizona is 'the study abroad university,'" Roczniak said. "This is a place where you don't have to choose between affordability and global opportunity; you can have both."

For students like Giselle Ramirez, an astronomy and biology major from Tucson, scholarships have been the key to unlocking global opportunities.

"Being from an underrepresented community, you often hear that things like study abroad are out of reach," Ramirez said. "Getting those scholarships reminded me that I can do anything I set my mind to, and that there are people and communities willing to support students like me."

Ramirez credited her time in Italy with building her confidence, teaching adaptability and giving her a global perspective she could not have gained at home. Looking ahead, she said the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship will have a powerful impact.

"This gift means students will be able to focus more on their goals instead of being stressed by their finances," Ramirez said.

The university will soon launch a campuswide campaign to ensure all students, especially those from high-need backgrounds, are aware of the new scholarship opportunities.

The gift also contributes to the university's $3 billion fundraising campaign, which supports student success, faculty research and initiatives across campus.

For more information about study abroad programs and scholarships, visit international.arizona.edu/study-abroad.