USEFP Executive Director, Rita Akhtar, with CCIP 2016 participants.
Forty-three young professionals attended their pre-departure orientation for a year of study at U.S. community colleges at Serena Hotel. This is the tenth group of young Pakistanis to study in the United States under the U.S. government-funded Community College Initiative Program (CCIP). The program is managed by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). So far, 392 Pakistanis have participated in the CCIP and have had the opportunity to show everyday Americans the true face of the country.
“The CCIP provides a unique opportunity for Pakistani students to live in the U.S. and develop leadership and professional skills which will benefit them throughout their lives,” said Rita Akhtar, Executive Director, USEFP. “The certifications they will earn will open many new possibilities for them both professionally and academically. These students represent the future of Pakistan, and we are excited to help them meet their goals.”
This year, of the 43 grantees, 23 are women. The participants come from all regions of Pakistan including Balochistan, Islamabad, FATA, Gilgit/Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh.
The CCIP is a one-year, 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.
The Pakistani CCIP students will gain practical experience in academic coursework, professional development, community engagement, and exploration of U.S. culture and society. The 10-month academic CCIP 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.
Approximately 4,000 Pakistanis are currently enrolled in U.S. government-funded English language programs in Pakistan. More information on USEFP programs and services can be found at www.usefpakistan.org.
