West Virginia University student Chelsea Hodgkins of Sudlersville, Md., has been selected to receive a fellowship position with Community Water Solutions, a non-profit organization based in Medfield, Mass.

This organization sends college students from the United States to the northern region of Ghana to install inexpensive water treatment systems, which allow villages to have a permanent source of safe drinking water.

Hodgkins, who is double majoring in international studies and geography at WVU, will join a team of four other students from Brown University, Boston College, M.I.T. and Salisbury University. Although only a junior, Hodgkins already has experience studying abroad. She participated in a trip with 15 students last summer under the leadership of Eberly College professor Brent McCusker.

“It was clear from the moment that we read Chelsea’s application that she would make a perfect fellow,” said Kate Clopeck, of Community Water Solutions. “She’s clearly passionate about development and determined to make a difference. She was a joy to speak with during her interview, which only confirmed our initial impression that she would a great fit for the program. We are so excited to bring her to Ghana with us this spring.”

According to the organization’s website, in three years they have provided safe drinking water to approximately 15,400 people, including more than 3,000 children in 26 villages.

Hodgkins is currently partnering with Buffalo Wild Wings to raise money for her trip. Those who would like to help her raise money are encouraged to visit the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Facebook page for a flier to be used at Buffalo Wild Wings on Feb. 6. Presentation of the flier will ensure 10 percent of your bill will be donated to her cause.

For more information, contact Chelsea Hodgkins at chodgkin@mix.wvu.edu.

-WVU-

jl/1/27/12

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