Islamabad, May 24, 2017
Thirty young Pakistani professionals attended a pre-departure orientation in preparation for a year of study at community colleges throughout the United States. This is the eleventh such group of young Pakistanis to study under the U.S. government-funded Community College Initiative Program (CCIP).
Make us proud! CCIP grantees gathered in Islamabad for the PDO.
“Through CCIP, young professionals have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, technical proficiency in their field of study, and English-language proficiency,” said U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer Dr. Daniel S. Mattern. “Pakistani participants also share information about their home country and culture with their American classmates and teachers throughout the program.”
U.S. Cultural Attaché, Mr. Daniel Mattern, poses with CCIP grantees at the PDO.
CCIP, which is managed by the U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan, allows participants to earn professional certificates in a number of fields including Business Administration, Agriculture, Media, Applied Engineering, Public Safety, Tourism and Hospitality Management, or Early Childhood Education. The 30 participants, who include 13 women, come from all regions of Pakistan including Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.
USEFP Executive Director, Ms. Rita Akhtar speaking to a small group of grantees at the PDO.
The CCIP is a yearlong non-degree scholarship program 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 program 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.
“CCIP program participants return home with new skills and confidence needed to make important contributions to the development of Pakistan. USEFP is proud to have role in making this possible,” said USEFP Executive Director Rita Akhtar.
More than 400 Pakistanis have participated in CCIP to date, and approximately 1,000 Pakistanis travel to the United States each year on U.S. government-funded educational and professional exchanges.
To learn more about the CCIP and other cultural and academic exchange programs managed by USEFP, visit: www.usefpakistan.org.
