Young Pakistani professionals head to US to study at community colleges

Islamabad
Seventy-six young professionals attended their pre-departure orientation for a year of study at US community colleges at a local hotel. This is the ninth group of young Pakistanis to study in the United States under the US government-funded Community College Initiative Programme (CCIP). The programme is managed by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). So far, 318 Pakistanis have participated in the CCI programme and have had the opportunity to show everyday Americans the true face of Pakistan.
Ms. Marianne Craven Managing Director of Academic Programmes, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, congratulated the participants and said, “The Community College Initiative Programme aims to foster Pakistan’s future leadership in key fields and help Pakistan to be more competitive in the global economy. There are already a number of program alumni making a tangible difference in Pakistan.”
This year, of the 76 grantees, thirty-one percent are women. The participants come from all regions of Pakistan including Balochistan; Capital Territory; Fata; Gilgit-Baltistan; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Punjab and Sindh.
The Community College Initiative Programme is a one-year, non-degree scholarship programme that provides opportunities for young Pakistani professionals to develop leadership, professional skills and English language proficiency while studying at a community college in the United States. The programme develops workforce-ready individuals to be global citizens. It equips them with technical proficiency in their field of study, employability skills, and leadership expertise to advance their country’s development and promote mutual understanding between cultures.
The Pakistani CCI students will gain practical experience in academic coursework, professional development, community engagement, and exploration of U.S. culture and society. The 10-month CCIP academic program is an opportunity to earn professional certificates in Business Administration, Agriculture, Media, Applied Engineering, Tourism and Hospitality Management, or Early Childhood Education. This multifaceted experience will provide these students with 21st century skills, which they will bring back to Pakistan ready to engage with their communities.
The US Embassy in Islamabad and its constituent posts in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar administer the largest investment of US funds in educational and cultural programs in the world. Around 9,000 Pakistanis have participated in fully-funded academic or professional development programs in the United States. Approximately 4,000 Pakistanis are enrolled in US government-funded English language programmes in Pakistan currently.