Rutgers–Camden Students Turn Global Ambitions Into Reality Through Gilman Scholarships

Rutgers University–Camden students Oscar Rios Barragan and Lucas Liona have been named Spring 2026 recipients of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a nationally competitive program that supports students pursuing study and internship opportunities abroad.

Through the scholarship, Rios Barragan will travel to Mexico City to study international business practices, while Liona will complete a machine learning internship in Prague, Czech Republic—experiences that will expand their academic, professional, and cultural perspectives on a global scale.

“The Gilman Scholarship opens doors for students to engage with the world in ways that can be personally and professionally transformative,” said Laura Collins, founding director of Rutgers–Camden’s Office of Scholar Development and Fellowship Advising.

“Oscar and Lucas approached this opportunity with thoughtfulness and a genuine eagerness to learn from experiences beyond the classroom. Their willingness to pursue international study reflects the confidence and global mindset that are common among Rutgers–Camden students and is a great example to the peers who will follow in their footsteps.”

Meet the Recipients

Oscar Rios Barragan

Junior, Rutgers School of Business–Camden

After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and earning his associate degree at Sacramento City College, Rutgers University–Camden junior Oscar Rios Barragan chose to continue his education close to family, relocating from his small hometown in Northern California to Camden, where his son lives.

A human resource management major, Rios Barragan learned about the Gilman Scholarship through the Rutgers–Camden Veterans Center and saw it as an opportunity to pursue a long-held interest in studying abroad while balancing the responsibilities of being a father and full-time student.

“Before I was selected, I was nervous because I didn’t know if I would get chosen,” Rios Barragan said. “When I found out I received the scholarship, I was excited and proud—but also relieved because it gave me peace of mind knowing I had support to help make studying abroad more affordable.”

With support from the Gilman Scholarship, Barragan will travel to Mexico City for a nine-day study abroad program focused on international business and organizational practices in Mexico, including visits to institutions such as Banco de México. For Rios Barragan, who is Mexican American but has never visited Mexico, the experience is both academically and personally meaningful, giving him the opportunity to explore international business firsthand while building a deeper connection to his cultural heritage and broadening his global perspective.

“As a father, veteran, and transfer student, this opportunity means a lot to me,” Rios Barragan said. “Returning to school after my military service and now having the chance to study abroad is a milestone I never imagined for myself, and I am very proud. My experience at Rutgers–Camden has shown me that opportunities like this are possible regardless of your circumstances.”

Lucas Liona

Senior, School of Arts and Sciences–Camden

For Rutgers University–Camden senior Lucas Liona, pursuing the Gilman Scholarship was an opportunity to step beyond his comfort zone and achieve a longtime personal goal of studying abroad before graduation.

A computer science and mathematics major from North Jersey, Liona chose Rutgers–Camden for its affordability and close-knit academic environment, where small class sizes, faculty mentorship, and research opportunities inspired him to pursue new experiences. After learning about the Gilman Scholarship from fellow students, Liona applied to support an international internship opportunity that will allow him to combine his academic interests with hands-on global experience.

“I have never studied abroad, much less left the country, and it is something I wanted to achieve for myself before graduating,” Liona said. “Plus, I had been accepted for an incredible internship abroad program—a true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—and wanted to ensure I could attend. The financial stress is lighter now.”

With support from the Gilman Scholarship, Liona will travel to Prague for a machine learning internship with Semantic Visions, where he will gain hands-on experience applying his computer science and mathematics studies in an international setting. Beyond strengthening his technical skills, Liona hopes the experience will deepen his understanding of how the global tech industry operates and expand his perspective on the role technology plays in international communication and business.

“While code is essentially universal, there are cultural differences, documentation differences, and internal differences that determine how a company operates, the products it develops, and the rules and regulations it follows,” Liona said. “Seeing this firsthand will teach me valuable lessons and provide perspective that I can use in the future.”

Liona hopes his experience encourages other Rutgers–Camden students to pursue opportunities they may not initially see themselves qualifying for. As part of the Gilman program, he plans to share his experience during freshman orientation and through his role as president of the Rutgers–Camden chapter of the Association for Computer Machinery.

“I want to help more Camden students become aware of opportunities like this early on and feel confident, prepared, and connected to the resources that can help them succeed,” Liona said.

Are you a Rutgers–Camden student? You could also be a Gilman Scholar!

The next Gilman Scholarship application cycle will open in August 2026, with a national due date of Oct 1. Undergraduate Pell recipients who are applying for or accepted to study abroad experiences occurring between December 1, 2026 to October 31, 2027 will be eligible to apply. For more information and application support, students are encouraged to connect with the Office of Scholar Development and Fellowships Advising.