The Community College Initiative Program recently welcomed 136 participants from 15 countries to the United States. For the program’s 17th year, participants represent the countries of Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The CCI consortium for this year consists of nine community college campuses throughout eight states. The CCI Program continues to host students at Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Kentucky, College of DuPage in Illinois, Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin, Kirkwood Community College in Iowa, Northampton Community College in Pennsylvania, Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria and Annandale Campuses in Virginia, Sinclair Community College in Ohio, and Valencia College in Florida.
During the program year, participants will study agriculture, business management, early childhood education, engineering, information technology, media and journalism, tourism and hospitality management, and social services. In addition to their academic coursework, they will develop technical and vocational skills, enhance their English language abilities, and improve their literacy. Beyond the classroom, students will participate in volunteer activities, internships, cultural exchange events, and leadership workshops. These experiences will deeply immerse them in their host communities, fostering both professional and academic growth while expanding their understanding of U.S. culture.
After welcoming the 2024-25 participants and getting them acquainted with their host community, they will participate in an exciting schedule of events and activities leading up to their classes. In August, participants will be introduced to the Gateway to Success Program, an orientation and pre-academic program designed to facilitate their adjustment to living and studying in the United States. They’ll also be introduced to volunteer opportunities, take English language courses, and get to know their fellow participants and the CCI Program staff.
They can also look forward to a range of cultural exchange and volunteer events, such as the MLK Day of Service and International Education Week. In September, participants will take part in the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance, which will provide them with the opportunity to volunteer, share their culture, and meet new members of their host community. During the winter break, participants also join a week-long leadership event to celebrate the middle of the program year, and even more opportunities await them in the spring semester.
The CCI Program is beyond excited to welcome the 2024-25 cohort! We look forward to seeing all they will achieve and discover in the coming year.
Valencia College Cohort
Kirkwood Community College Cohort
Northampton Community College Cohort
Sinclair Community College Cohort
Bluegrass Community and Technical College Cohort
College of DuPage Cohort
Fox Valley Technical College Cohort
Written by Holly Calhoun, Alumni Relations and Communications Coordinator