MESA, Ariz. – Nov. 13, 2023 – The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes Mesa Community College for producing the most Gilman recipients for academic year 2021- 2022 in the two-year institutions category.
“The Gilman Scholarship provides equity and access to study abroad opportunities for students who otherwise would not be able to participate in these life transforming opportunities,” said Yvonne Schmidt, MCC’s study abroad program analyst and former Gilman Advisor Ambassador. “Students develop communication, leadership, problem solving, and time management skills during study abroad. These soft skills are valuable assets in occupations across many industries.”
Throughout its more than twenty-year history, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship (Gilman) Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who, due to high financial need, might not otherwise go abroad. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 41,000 Gilman scholars from all U.S. states, and Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories have studied or interned abroad in more than 155 countries.
The Gilman Top Producer campaign recognizes U.S. colleges and universities for their dedication to providing global opportunities for American students with support from the Gilman Program. ECA, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, categorizes Gilman Top Producers by institution size, with a separate category for two-year institutions. ECA is proud to have supported 3,121 Gilman scholars from 52 U.S. states and territories to study or intern around the world during the academic year 2021-2022.
Since 2014, 21 MCC students have been awarded Gilman scholarships to participate in study abroad programs.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides talented U.S. undergraduate students with life-changing opportunities to study or intern abroad despite financial circumstances. The Gilman Program aims to expand the population of U.S. students that study and intern abroad, ensuring more young Americans gain the professional skills, language abilities, and cultural competencies needed for successful careers that contribute to the country’s economic prosperity and national security. The outstanding and diverse U.S. undergraduate students who study overseas with support from the Gilman Program build relationships, foster mutual understanding, and represent American culture and values in diverse destinations. The connections formed through study abroad lay a foundation upon which people and nations can work together to address shared global challenges, such as climate change, food security, and global health.
To learn more about Gilman scholarships and study abroad opportunities, visit mesacc.edu/study-abroad or email studyabroad@mesacc.edu.
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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu, 480-461-7892.
Mesa Community College is nationally recognized for university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, service-learning and innovative approaches to education. Host to more than 24,400 students annually, MCC offers degree and certificate programs at its two campuses and additional locations. 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. MCC is transforming student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. MCC is a Hispanic Serving Institution. Nearly 50% of MCC students are the first in their families to attend college. MCC has the largest indigenous student population of all the Maricopa Community Colleges. The American Indian Institute serves students from 22 federally recognized Arizona tribes and out-of-state tribes. Our 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 www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.