SOUTH KINGSTOWN – Three University of Rhode Island students have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships, a federally funded program that supports students pursuing academic study and internships abroad.
The 2026 recipients are Meghan Capuano of Pawtucket, Ashley Ortiz of Central Falls and Kuranda Ruggiero of Griswold, Conn. The awards will help fund their international studies in Denmark, Spain and Tajikistan, respectively.
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Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Scholarship Program provides funding for students to participate in credit-bearing study abroad programs and international internships. Since the program began in 2001, more than 50,000 U.S. students have received scholarships to study or intern in more than 170 countries.
The three students join a growing group of Gilman Scholars from URI. University officials said URI has produced 180 Gilman Scholarship recipients since the program’s inception and is among the nation’s leading producers of Gilman Scholars.
Capuano, a senior psychology major, is studying in Denmark this summer. During her time abroad, she and other international students interviewed Danish residents about well-being and community life. She said the experience has strengthened her confidence and prepared her for a future career in counseling and developmental psychology.
“My study abroad experience through the Gilman Scholarship has helped advance my career goals by creating opportunities to overcome personal challenges, driving me to build greater confidence and resilience,” Capuano said.
Ortiz, a junior majoring in international studies and politics, will spend the fall semester in Spain. She hopes to improve her Spanish-language skills and eventually pursue a career in government service, potentially in immigration-related work.
Ruggiero, a senior political science major, received a Gilman Critical Need Language Award and will study in Tajikistan to further her knowledge of Farsi. She previously studied the language while attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and hopes to become a foreign service officer.
“Receiving the Gilman Scholarship is crucial for me to have this educational opportunity to study abroad,” Ruggiero said. “I am looking forward to immersing myself in Tajikistan’s culture and seeing all of the beautiful sights and history.”
Veer Mudambi is the special projects editor of the Providence Business News and covers the nonprofit and education sectors. He can be reached at Mudambi@PBN.com.
