SDCCD: U.S. State Department Recognizes City And Mesa Colleges As Among Top 20 In Nation For Study Abroad

Press release from San Diego Community College District:

October 27, 2021

San Diego City and San Diego Mesa colleges were recognized today by the U.S. Department
of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for having produced the most
Gilman scholarship recipients over the past twenty years amongst those colleges awarding
associate degrees.

Fifty-three students from City College and 30 students from Mesa College have received
Gilman awards since 2001, placing them among the Top 20 nationally for community colleges.

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is proud
to announce the 20-year anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Program and its Top Producing Institutions over the past 20 years. Throughout its
20-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad
to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships
to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who, due to financial constraints, might
not otherwise participate. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000
Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have
studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.   

“Study abroad is such an important aspect for student learning,” said San Diego City College President Ricky Shabazz. “Our students are members of the global community that are
charged with leading the world forward in solving global issues.”

“Studying internationally opens a wide array of opportunities for our students, and
helps to broaden their access to rich, unique and long-lasting learning,” stated Mesa College President Dr. Pamela Luster.

Along with other top-ranked institutions, City and Mesa colleges were recognized for
their support of equity, diversity, and accessibility in study abroad for American
students through the Gilman Program. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational
and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education,
compiles the lists, which are organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.

Based on 20 years of data, the Top 20 institutions in four categories are being honored:
small, medium, and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. Colleges
and universities in 27 states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, are represented, as well
as 33 Minority Serving Institutions. 

The SDCCD sees study abroad as an invaluable option for students living in a diverse
border community where international perspectives and global learning can be critical
for a successful career. For many students, their community college years may be their
only opportunity for international learning. Students who have taken part in study
abroad programs say their experience help them expand their global awareness, build
valuable job market skills, better adapt to diverse work environments, and experience
increased self-confidence. 

In addition to City and Mesa colleges, study abroad opportunities are offered at San
Diego Miramar College. Suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, plans are to resume
study abroad for SDCCD students starting summer 2022.

To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse
alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors,
contact eca-press@state.gov and visit gilmanscholarship.org.  The website includes a full list of the institutions by category, and additional
information on the Gilman Program’s 20th anniversary.

This press release was produced by San Diego Community College District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.