The Forum on Education Abroad Announces First Recipients of Community College Access Scholarship

The Forum on Education Abroad is pleased to announce the first recipients of the Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS), a new initiative designed to expand access to education abroad opportunities for community college students with financial need. 
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Supported by a $50,000 commitment from the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), the scholarship helps reduce financial barriers that often prevent students from participating in transformative international experiences. 

​The first recipients of the scholarship include: 

• Trinity Celestin, Florida Southwestern State College, Korea 
• Sarah Irani, Fullerton College, France
• Jazmine Lopez, Fullerton College, Italy 
• Imogen Nieves, Austin Community College, England 
• Grace Xu, Foothill College, Guatemala ​​

The inaugural group of recipients will use their awards to participate in education abroad programs during the 2026-27 academic year, representing a variety of academic interests, destinations, and program types.

Meeting a Growing Need 

The strong response to the scholarship demonstrates both the demand for education abroad opportunities and the financial challenges many community college students face. During the one-month application cycle, The Forum received 147 applications from students across the United States seeking support for international learning experiences.
 
The Community College Access Scholarship provides awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and may be used toward program fees, tuition, travel, passports and visas, housing, meals, and other required expenses.

Supporting Access to Education Abroad 

"The overwhelming response to the initial application cycle for the Community College Access Scholarship underscores both the interest in education abroad and the financial barriers that too many students studying at community colleges continue to face,” said Melissa Torres, President & CEO of The Forum. “We are proud to support these students as they pursue education abroad experiences that will enrich their learning, broaden their perspectives, and help prepare them for success in their future careers."

The scholarship increases access to education abroad for one of the most diverse student populations in U.S. higher education. For AIFS Chairman William L. Gertz, the scholarship carries personal significance: “As a graduate of Sullivan County Community College in upstate New York, I can attest to the value of community colleges, [which] led me to my career and role as global leader of AIFS.”

By providing financial support and raising awareness of available opportunities, the scholarship program ensures that more community college students can gain the global perspectives, academic growth, and career readiness that come from studying abroad.

Applications Open Soon for Spring-Summer 2027 Term 

Applications for the next round of CCAS funding will open from September 1-October 1 for students planning education abroad experiences during the Spring-Summer 2027 term. Additional information about eligibility and application requirements is available on The Forum’s website.