Berberian study abroad scholarship applications due Jan. 6

The Rambo Rozi Berberian Scholarship at the Delaware Community Foundation is accepting applications for 2026. Three scholarships worth $500 each will be awarded to students at Delaware Technical Community College who will be studying abroad in the spring and summer of 2026. Delaware Tech Owens Campus students may apply through the DCF portal at delcf.org/scholarships.

The scholarship application period closes Tuesday, Jan. 6, and selected students will be notified of their awards in the spring. 

Lewes resident Rozi Diane Berberian, affectionately known as "Rambo Rozi," earned the nickname for her bravery and tenacity during her battle with cancer. Berberian believed that an international perspective enhances personal and professional growth, and she devoted time and resources to support study-abroad programs for Delaware Tech Owens Campus students.

To honor her memory and further her work to build that international outlook, the Berberian family established the Rambo Rozi Berberian Scholarship Fund at the DCF to help offset travel costs and tuition for Delaware Tech Owens Campus students who want to study abroad.

Callie Goff said traveling as a Berberian scholar to the Dominican Republic changed her life. After a week of working with impoverished families, delivering health and hygiene supplies, and touring the country’s medical facilities, she gained a new perspective on the world and her place in it.

“They had literally nothing but each other,” said Goff, 21, who said the Berberian scholarship was a huge help in paying for the expensive experience. “I was able to really see their country and not just go to a resort. I was able to create relationships.”

Other Berberian scholars have traveled to Ireland, France, Italy and South Africa, and topics studied include agriculture, medicine, sociology, hospitality and history. The $500 is a godsend for the recipients, said Amy Russell, international education coordinator for Delaware Tech. She noted that for some students, financing the study abroad program is a stretch, and the Berberian scholarship usually comes at just the right time to help cover expenses. “It really makes a difference,” said Russell.

“Knowing she was helping these students would make Rozi so happy,” said Jack Berberian, Rozi’s husband.