Introducing the 2017-2018 CCI Program Participants

Throughout July and August, the Community College Initiative (CCI) Program welcomed 154 participants from 11 countries to the United States. This year, participants come from Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, South Africa, and Turkey.

As international exchange students, CCI participants complete academic coursework at U.S. community colleges across the country in select CCI Program fields of study and, when possible, pursue professional certificates. As part of their educational experience, they build technical skills in applied fields, enhance their leadership capabilities, and strengthen their English language proficiency.

While attending their host community colleges, participants also immerse themselves in U.S. culture, government, and education by participating in professional internships, service learning activities, and cultural exchange through community activities. By engaging in these additional activities, CCI participants enhance their education about their field of study and also enhance their understanding of U.S. culture and the U.S. workforce.

This year, 10 community college campuses in 8 states across the United States are hosting the CCI Program.

The state of Arizona has two CCI host colleges, Scottsdale Community College and Mesa Community College. In Iowa, Illinois, and Texas, Kirkwood Community College, College of DuPage, and Houston Community College host CCI participants. East Coast CCI Program host colleges include Bunker Hill Community College in Massachusetts, Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia Community College’s Annandale and Alexandria campuses in Virginia, and Valencia College in Florida.

This year, participants will focus on fields of study including agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, early childhood education, information technology, media, public safety, and tourism and hospitality management. The education participants receive at their host colleges will help propel their skills and equip them to act as change-makers in their home countries. They are also projected to contribute a combined total of 15,400 volunteer hours to their local and neighboring communities, making a profound impact within the United States.

Currently, CCI participants are fully engaged in college classes, volunteer experiences, and cultural exchange.

Welcome, 2017-18 CCI Program participants! We hope you have a year to remember!