Participants build technical skills and may earn certificates in their fields of study. Participants studying across America observed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service by engaging in a variety of service and learning activities on campus and in the community.
Scholarship Sponsor(s): U.S. Department of State
Scholarships to be taken at: U.S. Community College
Scholarship Type: Exchange Program
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: Undergraduate
Nationality: International students
DETAILS on US Community College Initiative Program
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates are expected to meet the following eligibility criteria for the U.S. Community College Initiative Program
- Applicants must be international students
- Students are admitted into an undergraduate degree program.
- Be 18 years old at the start of the program
- Have a diploma from a secondary school
- 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 2020
- Meet country-specific requirements
- Applicants must have a High school certificate or equivalent.
- Candidates must be highly motivated, responsible, and able to work independently in a structured manner, and have good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Applicants must hold an offer for a full-time program at North Island College, Canada.
Eligible Courses: Applicants 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.
Selection Criteria:
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.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: All eligible applicants seeking to participate in the US Embassy Community College Initiative Program should proceed to apply online.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
Visit the Official website for further details
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply for the US Embassy Community College Initiative Program 2026-2027?
Applicants must be citizens of the host country (where the U.S. Embassy is located), aged between 18 and 35 years, and have completed secondary school or its equivalent. Candidates should demonstrate strong leadership potential, community involvement, and a desire to develop skills that can contribute to local development. Prior college experience is not required.
2. What is the application process for the program?
Interested candidates must complete the online application form available on the official US Embassy website or education portal. The process typically includes:
Filling out personal and educational information
Submitting essays or personal statements
Providing recommendation letters from teachers or community leaders
Uploading a valid passport or national ID
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews conducted by embassy representatives.
3. What courses or fields of study are offered under this program?
The program provides practical and vocational courses aimed at building skills for local development and employment. Common fields include:
Information Technology and Computer Skills
Agriculture and Environmental Management
Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Healthcare and Public Health
The specific course offerings may vary by year and by the US Embassy organizing the program.
4. Are there any costs or fees associated with the program?
No, the US Embassy Community College Initiative Program is fully funded. Selected participants receive tuition coverage, accommodation, learning materials, and sometimes a stipend for living expenses. Travel costs for program-related activities may also be covered depending on the embassy’s policies.