Get Funding for International Student Programs!

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)announces an open competition for one or more assistance awards to administer the Community College Initiative Program, which will support study by international undergraduate students at accredited U.S. community colleges. The Program provides quality educational programs, professional development, employment skills and a first-hand understanding of American society to underserved, nonelite international students, particularly women, who already have some work experience. The Bureau anticipates supporting students from developing countries in every world region in this program including (subject to change) such countries as Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, and South Africa, as well as other countries.

Community college consortia and other associations of community colleges meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c) may submit proposals to cooperate with the Bureau in the administration and implementation of the 2010 Community College Initiative Program. For planning purposes, the Bureau invites proposals from eligible organizations for a program at a total funding level of approximately $8.5 million pending availability of FY2010 resources. Applicants may apply to administer the entire program or a portion thereof. Applicant organizations should indicate the number of participants that can be accommodated at the requested funding level based on detailed calculations of program and administrative costs.

In order to maximize the number of participants under this program, it is the Bureau’s expectation that significant institutional and private sector funding and cost sharing will be made available by cooperating institutions. We anticipate that approximately 250 to 275 students will participate in the FY2010 program.