The coveted Fulbright grant to Germany has been given to McKenna Leckey, a graduate student at Auburn University studying social science education, for the academic year 2023–2024.
Leckey, a resident of Paramus, New Jersey, earned a bachelor’s degree in social science education and history as well as a minor in German from Auburn University in the fall of 2022. Leckey’s Fulbright English Teaching Assistant, or ETA, award will be used to fund her nine-month stay in Germany from September 2023 to June 2024.
“I have wanted to teach English in Germany since eighth grade,” said Leckey. “So, getting a Fulbright years later to do that very thing is a dream come true.”
Leckey is excited to increase her German language proficiency and experience new places. She can’t wait to partake in copious amounts of German pretzels and take part in the original Oktoberfest festivities in Germany.
Leckey’s mentor, Jada Kohlmeier, a professor and the program supervisor for the College of Education’s Social Sciences Education, emphasized that Leckey stood out as a particularly excellent student who consistently produced “top-notch work,” while taking a lot of classes.
“McKenna is committed to enhancing democratic culture by encouraging civil discourse among students on complex social issues,” said Kohlmeier. “McKenna’s opportunity in Germany will enhance her cultural understanding of Germany and lead to interesting cross-cultural conversations.”
A renowned educational exchange program funded by the US government is the Fulbright Scholarship. The Fulbright scholarship, a prestigious academic program that was founded in 1946, offers chances for students, academics, and professionals to study, teach, and do research abroad.
“Fulbright couldn’t have selected a better teacher of English, and I’m excited for McKenna’s next adventure,” said Kohlmeier.
