Applications closed
The Community College Initiative (CCI) is a U.S. Department of State exchange program which provides participants from underserved and underrepresented groups with a one-year non-degree academic program at a U.S. community college, designed to build participants’ technical skills in applied fields, enhance their leadership capabilities, and strengthen their English language proficiency. After completing the program, participants return home with enhanced skills to help them contribute to the economic development of their countries.
The CCI Program encourages a holistic learning and exchange experience and focuses on five program pillars: academics, cultural exchange, service learning, internships, and leadership and community impact project. All five pillars of the CCI Program are of equal importance. The program runs on the U.S. academic calendar (August to May) and applications are usually accepted during October-December annually.
Competition for the CCI Program is merit-based and open to anyone who:
- Is a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by the South African government.
- Is currently residing in South Africa.
- Is 18 years or older.
- Has successfully earned a secondary school diploma.
- Has not completed the equivalent of three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study the applicant is nominated to pursue. Nominees without substantive post-secondary education will be given placement priority.
- Has demonstrated commitment to the selected field of study through some academic or professional experience. The program aims to identify participants with proven skills or interest and limited professional experience in the fields of study offered.
- Has basic working knowledge of English language.
Email: Please send all your enquiries to ccipsa@state.gov
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