April 24, 2024

Elms College selected to receive IIE American Passport Project grant

REGIONAL
Staff report

(iObserve photo/courtesy of Elms College)

CHICOPEE – College of Our Lady of the Elms has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that will enable up to 25 Elms College students to obtain their first U.S. passport and open the pathway to study abroad. 

In its fourth year, IIE awarded 51 institutions in the IIENetwork membership for this opportunity, the largest cohort to date.

“We are excited to be the only college or university in western Massachusetts to receive this grant from IIE,” said Joyce Hampton, associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives and dean of the School of Arts, Sciences and Professional Programs. “Elms is committed to having all undergraduate students participate in at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity to prepare graduates to be career-ready and community minded.” 

The International Programs Office at Elms will be partnering with its First Year Seminar Program to introduce students to study abroad opportunities from day one. 

“Having a passport removes a significant barrier for many students – it is a great first step for students to pursue global internships or study abroad,” said Hampton.

A key program under the IIE Center for Access and Equity, the IIE American Passport Project represents IIE’s commitment to creating access to international education opportunities and enabling equity by removing a financial barrier, thereby increasing the diversity and inclusion of students studying abroad. 

The program prioritizes students early in their higher education experience to allow them ample time to go through the passport application and study abroad planning process with advising and support from the awarded institutions. Through the IIE American Passport Project, IIE aims to grant 10,000 U.S. students their passports by the end of this decade.

The IIE American Passport Project seeks to reach diverse student populations and institutions that serve students who identify within demographics underrepresented in U.S. study abroad or those who often do not obtain a U.S. passport. To date, the program has supported 176 higher education institutions in 41 states since its inception in 2021. 

In this fourth cohort, 41% of the institutions represent racial/ethnic minority-serving populations – HBCUs, HSIs, AANAPISIs, and MSIs – or are community colleges. The majority of the awarded institutions are focusing on these priority demographics for their respective campuses: first-generation college students, racial/ethnic minorities, students with demonstrated financial need, and students who have never traveled abroad.