Kayla Soltis

A Mars native and graduate will study abroad this summer after earning a prestigious scholarship.

Kayla Soltis is one of two University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown students to be named a recipient of the 2018 Vira I. Heinz Scholarship for Women in Global Leadership. She will study in Cochabamba, Bolivia, for six weeks beginning in May.

The goal of the program is to “prepare women leaders for tomorrow’s global challenges.” It also aims to help develop and encourage a passion for life-long learning and civic engagement by offering a unique opportunity for international experiences, leadership development and community service. It has three principal components: the international experience; weekend-long, intensive leadership development retreats; and the Community Engagement Experience.

Universities and colleges across Pennsylvania participate in the VIH Program. Young women from each institution are admitted into the program and receive a scholarship of at least $5,000 to put toward the cost of an international experience of their choosing.

Soltis said she is thankful for the scholarship, as it will allow her to grow as a student and person.

“I now have the opportunity to experience diversity beyond the United States,” she said. “I have never been out of the country before, and this particular scholarship program will provide me with the skills necessary to maximize my learning abroad.

“I am grateful to be given this opportunity to challenge my global perspective and to be able to participate in leadership development retreats,” said Soltis.

Soltis, a psychology major, is a pre-occupational therapy student.

“I hope to go to graduate school for occupational therapy and intend to work with children,” she said.

She is the daughter of Mary and John Soltis.