CCI Students from Around the World Enhance Professional Skills, Build Workforce

The Community College Initiative (CCI) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Northern Virginia Community College, recently marked a significant milestone — passing the halfway point of its program year. Students came together from host schools around the nation to celebrate at the annual mid-year Pathways to Success Program (PSP). Themed “The Butterfly Effect: Unpredictable Ripples of Small Actions,” the week-long conference in Arizona brought together 155 CCI participants from 17 countries and nine host community colleges to explore the profound impact of small, sustainable actions.

The program, spanning Page, Sedona and Phoenix, showcased the interconnectedness of participants through cultural exchange, shared education and collaborative learning. From Native American showcases to environmental volunteer work and leadership development, participants embraced the significance of action.

Workshops throughout the conference, such as the Community Impact Project panel, highlighted real-world issues, fostering networking and collaboration. Cultural diversity took center stage in an evening showcase, while visits to iconic landmarks like the Grand Canyon added to the experience. With a focus on critical thinking, media literacy and practical skill development, the Pathways to Success Program left participants motivated to contribute meaningfully in their communities worldwide.

An additional highlight was the launch of a new CCI pilot focusing on technical training to support the semiconductor industry. This initiative welcomed 11 participants from Mexico and aligns with the U.S. government’s efforts to enhance American manufacturing capabilities. The inclusion of the cohort from Mexico exemplifies the program’s impact in advancing economies and strengthening the global workforce.

PSP serves not only as an educational midpoint for CCI participants but as a transformative experience, fostering a shared commitment to positive change. As participants enter their spring semester, the echoes of wisdom and motivation resonate, shaping a future influenced by the small, sustainable actions initiated during this unforgettable week. These experiences create enduring impressions and inspire students to engage in leadership opportunities and champion the development of more inclusive and diverse communities.

The CCI program started in 2007. As one of three consortia, NOVA began its administration of the program in 2010 with four CCC (Community College Consortium) partners, hosting just 49 students. NOVA and its CCC partners have since hosted almost half of the nearly 4,000 CCI participants, with more than 350 participants having passed through NOVA’s hallways since 2010. Due to its institutional capacity, leadership of the CCC, and experience with administering and implementing exchange opportunities, NOVA became the sole administering body of the CCI program in 2016. In close collaboration with the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the program has expanded significantly. The CCI program is the only large-scale exchange program focused on community college students, and NOVA is the only community college nationwide to lead an exchange program of this size.

For further information, please contact CCI Program Assistant Director at SaMohamed@nvcc.edu and/or the NOVA CCI team at CCCIP@nvcc.edu. The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs can be reached at eca-press@state.gov.

Submitted by:
Holly Calhoun, CCI Alumni & Comms Coord., HCalhoun@nvcc.edu