MCC Study Abroad students receive $34,000 in Benjamin A. Gilman scholarships

Published Wednesday, June 22, 2022

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MESA, Arizona – June 22, 2022 – Seven Mesa Community College students receive a total of $34,000 in Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships supporting participation in the MCC Study Abroad program; providing faculty-lead, short-term summer classes abroad.

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program, an international scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, awards up to $5,000, or up to $8,000 if also a recipient of the Gilman Critical Need Language Award, to students attending a two-year community college or four-year college with Federal Pell Grant funding.

Yvonne Schmidt, MCC’s study abroad coordinator and Gilman Scholarship Advisor Ambassador, said, “We are proud to have so many Gilman recipients. These scholarships give students the opportunity to expand their worldview and practice critical thinking skills while having a life-changing cultural experience.”

Three students will study humanities and field biology in France – Amanda Christianson ($4,000), Shirley Beltran ($5,000) and Anastaysia Andreyeva ($5,000). Maria Abadia ($5,000) and Elizabeth Tejeda Payan ($5,000) will study Irish religion and storytelling in Ireland.

Charis Hayward and Georgina Mendez Fischer ($5,000 each) will learn about mythology and popular culture in Britain.

MCC Study Abroad destinations for 2023 will be announced in the fall at mesacc.edu/study-abroad.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, 480-461-7892, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu

Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. On average MCC students provide 23,000 hours of community service annually. For more than 50 years, the college has served as a resource for education, workforce development and lifelong learning. Host to more than 25,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations through a combination of modalities. MCC is transforming how it champions student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution with nearly 50% of its students being the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges; its American Indian Institute serves students from the 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes as well as out-of-state tribes. The diverse student body includes hundreds of international students from around the world. Award-winning faculty are dedicated to student success, providing the education and training that empowers MCC students to attain their goals. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional territories of the O'odham, Piipaash and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 colleges in the Maricopa County Community College District. Visit mesacc.edu to learn more.

Mesa Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) -- hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.