This winter and spring, 10 UD students, both current students in the Associate in Arts Program (AAP) and program alumni, will take their studies beyond the classroom, thanks to the David A. Plastino Enrichment Fund. Each student receives $550 to support their study abroad journey, allowing them to gain firsthand experience in diverse cultures and academic environments around the world.

The Plastino Enrichment Fund, created by UD alumnus David A. Plastino (’78), gives Associate in Arts students opportunities that expand learning and personal growth. From participating in research projects to exploring new countries, the fund empowers students to take their education to an international stage, fostering curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning.

“I’ve led a study abroad program to Greece for more than a decade and have seen firsthand how transformative of an experience it can be for our students,” said David Satran, AAP director and associate professor of English. “We’re incredibly grateful to David Plastino for his generous support.”

Awardees this year are headed to destinations across Europe, Asia, South America and the Caribbean, reflecting the program’s broad academic and cultural reach. As they embark on these journeys, the students will have the chance to engage with local communities, immerse themselves in new languages and cultures and bring back valuable insights to enrich their academic experience and the UD community as a whole.