About the DSU Goes Global Passport Grant
Delta State University’s International Student Services Office is excited to offer 10 DSU Goes Global Passport Grants in Spring 2024 to DSU undergraduate or graduate students who have never had a U.S. passport. Thanks to a generous Delta State University alum, this is the first time we are able to offer this kind of grant to students.
The award amount is $165. The $165 will cover the costs for (1) the application fee of a U.S. passport book ($130), (2) the execution/acceptance fee ($35).
This award will not cover other fees, which may include passport photos, expedited delivery fees, or travel expenses to submit application materials at the nearest passport application processing center.
Grant Application Deadline: No later than 11:59 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Applying for the grant does not guarantee every student will be approved.
HOW IT WORKS
DSU International Student Services will award reimbursement for the regular passport service fees for eligible applicants applying for their very first U.S. passport on a first eligible, first serve basis.
To apply for the study abroad grant:
1. Complete the DSU Goes Global Passport Grant application and submit. After the grant application is approved, the applicant will be informed by DSU International Student Services.
2. Complete a passport application (available at the post office) or at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html. Or, you can come to the International Services Office in Union 204 for assistance.
3. Passport applications require 2 passport photos. You can receive FREE passport photos by attending a DSU Passport Photo Day during the spring semester. Also, passport photo service can often be found at Walgreens, CVS, and other businesses for a fee. The U.S. Post Offices can also take passport photos for a fee.
4. Go to the main U.S. Post Office in Cleveland at 210 S. Chrisman Avenue, or your hometown post office or county records office (check to see who processes passports in your area) to apply for your passport.
5. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified birth certificate, for example) with you to the post office when you apply for your passport.
6. Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s) and/or money orders are the accepted forms of payment for passport processing. The total cost as of March 8, 2024 is $165 (excluding photos). There will be an additional fee if a U.S. Post Office also takes the photos. The Cleveland post office does not accept credit cards as a form of payment, so make sure you have an alternate form of payment (checks seem to be the best form of payment). For more information on accepted forms of payment, see https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html
7. Show a photo ID (i.e. driver’s license) when you apply.
8. KEEP ALL RECEIPTS. Make sure to save all receipts, as costs cannot be reimbursed without receipts. Once you have applied at the post office, come to the International Student Services office with your receipts as proof for your reimbursement. You will be issued a check ($130+$35 = $165) for the regular passport service fees you have paid. Check issuing may take up to two weeks upon verification of passport receipts.
9. Bring your passport to the International Student Services Office after you have received it (average passport processing is 8-10 weeks).
For questions and more information, including assistance with the passport application, please contact Michelle Johansen, Assistant Coordinator of International Student Services, at mjohansen@deltastate.edu or stop by the ISS Office in Union 204.
