There are a number of programs that sponsor students to study in the United States. Through the State Department’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA) many students have received help to participate in educational exchange programs around the world which aim to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Students can also study abroad through the EducationUsa program.

These highly competitive programs aim to identify current and future leaders who will go to the U.S. with an open mind and commit to returning to their host country to share what they have learned with their fellow citizens.
There are a number of programs that Africans can enroll in order to study in the United States;

The Community College Initiative Program (CCI)
This is an opportunity to increase your skills and expertise at a U.S. Community College!

The Community College Initiative Program (CCI) provides scholarships to spend up to one academic year at U.S community colleges. Participants build technical skills and may earn certificates in their fields of study. Through professional internships, service learning, and community engagement activities, participants strengthen English language proficiency and immerse themselves in the culture and day-to-day life of the United States.

Participants study in one of the following eligible fields: agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, early childhood education, information technology, media, public safety, and tourism and hospitality management.

CCI Program participants are recruited from historically underrepresented and underserved communities. After completing the program, participants return home with new skills and expertise to help them contribute to the economic growth and development of their country.

Program Length
1 year or less

Eligibility and Application Overview

All applicants must:
• Be 18 years old at the start of the program
• Have a secondary school certificate
• Possess a basic knowledge of English
• Desire to build professional and leadership skills to contribute to the development of their home communities
• Be able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States in July 2019
• Meet country-specific requirements

The recruitment and nomination of candidates in the eligible countries is administered by the Fulbright Commission or the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy. CCI awards are not Fulbright awards. See location details below for contacts in participating countries and to ask for more information about application eligibility requirements.

Program Description
CCI scholarships cover J-1 visa support; round-trip travel from the participant’s home country to host institution in the United States and return travel at the end of the program, tuition and mandatory college fees, housing and meals, a small allowance for books and incidental expenses, limited accident and sickness coverage that is J-1 visa compliant, and a variety of personal and professional development activities.

Where the Successful Applicants will Study
In Spring 2019, participants accepted by the program will be contacted as soon as all of the details about their college placements and program of studies are available. Community colleges currently hosting CCI participants are: Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA; College of DuPage, Glen Ellen, IL; Houston Community College, Houston, TX; Kirkwood Community College, Des Moines, IA; Mesa Community College, Mesa, AZ; Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale and Alexandria campuses), VA; Northampton Community College, Bethlehem, PA, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale, AZ; and Valencia College, Orlando, FL.

The successful applicants will be provided with housing either in dormitory or other campus housing or in approved apartments. CCI participants will have a full schedule during their programs. During program breaks, participants are required to have written permission from their CCI colleges before traveling out of town within the United States. Participants are expected to remain in the United States for the entire program except in cases of emergency.

To apply click the following link;
https://exchanges.state.gov/non-us/program/community-college-initiative-program

Janet Rangi
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