Eight undergraduate students from public and private universities will participate in a one-year, non-degree academic exchange, studying at U.S. community colleges, exploring career fields, and strengthening leadership and English language skills.
US Ambassador in Dhaka Earl Miller congratulated them at a virtual Pre-Departure Orientation held on July 15.
They were selected for the U.S. State Department-funded Community College Initiative (CCI) Programme.
The students, selected for their academic excellence, leadership potential, and community service, will be enrolled in full-time undergraduate-level courses at U.S. community colleges in Virginia, New York, Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin during the 2021-2022 academic year.
They will live on campus with American and international students, have opportunities to learn about American culture, history, and society; help American students learn more about Bangladesh; strengthen their leadership and English language skills; and participate in a two-month internship in their fields of study.
Since 2013, 57 Bangladeshi students have participated in the CCI Programme.
Ambassador Miller praised the students for their accomplishments, commitments to learning, and sense of adventure, encouraging them to continue pursuing opportunities to grow personally, academically, and professionally, and to serve as ambassadors of Bangladesh in the United States.
“Exchange programs like CCI provide tremendous opportunities for you and other exchange participants to explore the world around you— to learn about different cultures and societies; to meet people who have different viewpoints; to explore new hobbies and try new foods, and in so doing, open your mind to new dreams and global perspectives. You will also have a unique opportunity to open American minds, to help Americans learn more about and better understand Bangladesh,” he said.
The Community College Initiative (CCI) Programme is one of several U.S. Embassy Dhaka-managed youth exchange programs aimed at strengthening and expanding people-to-people ties and educational linkages between the United States and Bangladesh and supporting Bangladeshi youth through innovative vocational training opportunities.
It is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
CCI provides emerging youth leaders from underrepresented and underserved communities in 11 countries around the world with an opportunity to participate in a non-degree, one-year academic programme at a U.S. community college.
The programme is designed to build participants' technical skills, leadership capabilities, and English language proficiency.
The programme also provides opportunities for professional internships, volunteering, and community engagement.
