College of DuPage Receives IIE American Passport Project Grant

College of DuPage is one of 40 colleges and universities nationwide to receive an Institute of International Education (IIE) American Passport Project grant that will enable 25 COD students to obtain a U.S. passport in support of their study abroad journeys.

With a goal of promoting diversity, inclusion, access and equity in study abroad opportunities, the grant, available to first-year, Pell-eligible COD students, encourages students to go abroad who otherwise might not participate in an international experience as part of their college education.

“We are excited to be a recipient of this nationally competitive grant as it directly aligns with our mission to increase student access to global opportunities,” said COD Coordinator of Study Abroad Sue Kerby. “Obtaining a passport can be daunting for students who have not traveled abroad previously. This grant will alleviate that hurdle both logistically and financially.”

Through collaboration with the Glen Ellyn Public Library, an official passport acceptance facility, Library staff will work with eligible COD students to validate and process passports at no cost.

Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education at COD offers a variety of classes that use the world as their classroom, including domestic and international opportunities in a broad range of subjects. The College has offered many successful international programs since 1970 and has taken students to more than 80 countries spanning all seven continents. Programs include short-term field studies, summer language immersion programs and traditional semester abroad opportunities.

For questions, and to learn more about eligibility, contact COD’s Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education office at fssa@cod.edu.