#United States #Stamford #AIFS #Community College #Education Abroad

AIFS and The Forum on Education Abroad Launch Community College Access Scholarship

In an exciting development for community college students, AIFS Abroad has announced a groundbreaking scholarship program in collaboration with The Forum on Education Abroad. The initiative aims to broaden access to international educational opportunities for students enrolled in community colleges, a group historically underrepresented in study abroad programs.

Overview of the Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS)

The Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS) is backed by a generous $50,000 commitment from the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), a recognized leader in cultural exchange and educational programs. This funding will enable eligible community college students to receive financial assistance that will cover a range of costs associated with studying abroad.

Awards available through the CCAS range from $2,000 to $5,000 and can be applied toward various expenses, including program fees, travel arrangements, and the costs associated with obtaining necessary travel documents such as passports and visas. This initiative is particularly significant given that community colleges account for about 40% of the undergraduate population in the United States, yet only a mere 1.6% of these students participated in study abroad programs during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The Importance of International Education

Research from The Forum on Education Abroad underscores the crucial link between education abroad experiences and long-term career success. Alumni of study abroad programs often assume more prominent leadership positions across various fields, such as healthcare, finance, education, and information technology. Despite these benefits, financial and structural barriers have kept many community college students from accessing such transformative experiences. The CCAS aims to dismantle these obstacles, thus paving the way for more students to gain international exposure.

AIFS's Commitment to Community Colleges

AIFS's dedication to fostering partnerships with community colleges is not new. Since 1986, AIFS Abroad has been designing customized programs tailored to the needs of community college students, having first launched a faculty-led initiative in London with a consortium of San Francisco Bay Area schools. Currently, AIFS collaborates with 13 of the top 20 community colleges in the U.S. to provide well-rounded international experiences for their student bodies.

William L. Gertz, Chairman of AIFS, expressed deep personal significance regarding this initiative, noting his own educational journey beginning at Sullivan County Community College. He emphasized the value of these institutions and the tremendous opportunities they offer students, shaping them into leaders poised to make a global impact.

Eligibility and Application Process

The CCAS will be available to students enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours at accredited U.S. institutions during the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible students will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships for education abroad programs occurring between June 1, 2026, and May 31, 2027. The program expects to provide funding for up to five awardees each term, with the amount awarded determined by the student's financial need and program costs.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate economic need through Pell Grant eligibility or other financial aid documentation. The application process requires submission through The Forum on Education Abroad.

Conclusion

The Community College Access Scholarship represents a significant stride towards equity in educational opportunities for community college students. By facilitating access to international education, AIFS and The Forum on Education Abroad are not only empowering students but also enriching the fabric of global learning.

For institutions interested in offering customized faculty-led programs, more information can be found on the AIFS Abroad website. As the landscape of education evolves, initiatives like the CCAS stand as beacons of hope for fostering inclusivity and access in educational experiences.