U.S. Department of State exchange Community College Initiative (CCI) Program 2025/2026 for Technical and Vocational Students (Fully Funded to the United States)

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About U.S. Department of State exchange Community College Initiative (CCI) Program

The Community College Initiative Program (CCIP) is a U.S. Department of State exchange program that provides a one–year non-degree academic and personal development experience at a U.S. community college. It is designed to build technical skills in applied fields, enhance leadership capabilities, and strengthen English proficiency. Competitive applicants will be able to speak about their plans to return home and use their enhanced skills to contribute to their home communities. 

The program empowers participants with a focus on five key pillars:

• Leadership and community impact projects
• Academics
• Cultural exchange
• Service learning
• Internships

• Sponsor Organisation: U.S. Department of State

Benefits of U.S. Department of State exchange Community College Initiative (CCI) Program

Financial Provisions of the Grant

• J-1 visa support

• Round-trip travel from participant’s home city to host institution in the United States

• Tuition and mandatory college fees

• Housing

• Stipend to cover basic needs, such as food and transportation. Some colleges may provide on-campus meals.

• Small allowance for books, materials, and incidental expenses

• Limited Accident and Sickness coverage that is J-visa compliant

• A variety of personal and professional development activities

U.S. Department of State exchange Community College Initiative (CCI) Program Requirements

Competition for the CCI Program is merit-based and open to anyone who:

• Is a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by the Government of the Republic of South Africa.
• Is currently residing in the Republic of South Africa.
• Is 18 years or older by July 1, 2025.
• Has successfully earned a secondary school diploma (Grade 12 or equivalent).
• Has not completed the equivalent of three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study the applicant is nominated to pursue. Nominees without substantive post-secondary education will be given placement priority.
• Has demonstrated commitment to the selected field of study through some academic or professional experience. The program aims to identify participants with proven skills or interest and limited professional experience in the fields of study offered.
• Has basic working knowledge of English language.
• Has limited or no overseas study experience.  Nominees with no prior overseas study or travel to the United States will be given placement priority.
• Is able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa and meet the program conditions to maintain that status.
• Is willing and mentally and physically able (with accommodations as required) to complete the program in its entirety, including activities or travel that may be programmed on any day of the week, possibly including early morning or evening hours.
• Is committed to returning to South Africa and use this experience to make a difference in their community.
• Is able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States in July 2025 through May 2026.

Note: Everyone who meets the above eligibility criteria is welcome to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, geographic location, socio-economic status, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, or gender identity. Persons with disabilities and/or require special accommodations are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Participants study one of the following fields:

• Agriculture
• Applied Engineering
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Early Childhood Education
• Information Technology
• Creative Economy and Media

 

Application Date and Process

Access application here: CCI Program AY 2025-2026 Application_South Africa

Please send the completed application form with transcripts and academic records to [email protected]

Please use SURNAME, Name – Program – City (format) on application form, supporting documents and subject line of your email.

• e.g. DOE, John – CCIP 2025-2026 – Bloemfontein

NB: Passport, English test, and medical report are not required during the application stage.

 

Application Deadline

24 November, 2024

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