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 to eligible Delta State students who have never had a U.S. passport. Thanks to donations from generous Delta State University alumni and friends of DSU, we are able to offer this kind of grant to students.
The award amount is $180. The $180 will cover the costs for (1) the application fee of a U.S. passport book ($130), (2) the execution/acceptance fee ($35), and (3) passport photos ($15). This award will not cover other fees, which may include expedited delivery fees or travel expenses to submit application materials at the nearest passport application processing center. This award will not reimburse for a passport card.
Applying for the grant does not guarantee every eligible student will be approved.
Eligibility for Spring 2025 Passport Grant
1. Must be enrolled full-time (12+ credit hours) undergraduate student at Delta State University at time of application.
2. Must be a U.S. citizen by birth or naturalization or U.S. national (i.e. native of American Samoa or Swain’s Island).
3. Must be 18 years or older.
4. Must be applying for a first adult U.S. passport (using DS-11 form, not renewing a previous passport).
5. Must be in good standing at Delta State University.
Undergraduate good standing includes but is not limited to: enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (full-time); have a minimum 2.5 DSU overall grade point average; and no involvement in student conduct and/or disciplinary processes at DSU.
HOW IT WORKS
DSU International Student Services will award grantees reimbursement for the regular passport service fees and photo fees (if applicable) for eligible applicants applying for their first U.S. passport.
How to apply:
1. Complete the DSU Goes Global Passport Grant application and submit. After the grant application is approved or denied, the applicant will be informed by DSU International Student Services. If approved, you will complete a grant agreement.
2. Once approved, complete a passport application (available at the post office) or at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html. Or you can come to the International Services Office in Union 200 for assistance.
3. Passport applications require 2 passport photos. The U.S. Post Offices can take passport photos for a $15 fee. The grant will reimburse the USPS photo fee. Passport photo services can be found at Walgreens, CVS, and other businesses for a fee, which may be more than $15.
4. Go to the main U.S. Post Office (USPS) in Cleveland at 210 S. Chrisman Avenue, your hometown post office, or another passport acceptance facility to apply for your passport. Find a passport acceptance facility here: http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/.
5. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (a certified or original birth certificate, for example) with you to the post office when you apply for your passport. This document will be mailed to the passport processing facility and returned to you within 8-10 weeks.
6. Checks (personal, certified, cashier’s) and/or money orders are the accepted forms of payment for passport processing. The total cost for passport application, as of March 8, 2024, is $165 (excluding photos). There will be an additional $15 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 http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports/information/fees.html
7. Show a photo ID (i.e. driver’s license) when you apply.
8. The USPS office will mail your passport application and birth certificate together. You will receive your passport and birth certificate back separately.
9. KEEP ALL RECEIPTS. Make sure to save all receipts, as costs cannot be reimbursed without receipts. Once you have applied at a facility, come to the International Student Services office with your receipts as proof for your reimbursement. You will be issued a check for the regular passport service fees and USPS photo fees you have paid. Check issuing may take up to two weeks upon verification of passport receipts.
10. 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, please contact Michelle Johansen, Assistant Coordinator of International Student Services, at mjohansen@lcsgxgy.com or stop by the International Office in Union 200.
