The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized Santa Monica College (SMC) as one of the top 20 Gilman Scholars producers in the country in the Associate College category for the past two decades.
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman Program makes studying abroad more accessible for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduate students who otherwise might not attend for financial reasons. Since the program was launched in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Fellows from all states, Puerto Rico and other US territories have studied or completed internships in more than 155 countries worldwide.
“Santa Monica College has historically placed great emphasis on study opportunities abroad and values the benefits students and staff gain from actively learning about other cultures. Kathryn E. Jeffery. “It is visionary that the US State Department’s Gilman program has helped so many SMC students on this journey of discovery over the past two decades. We celebrate this honor! “
In late October, Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig practically announced the U.S. colleges and universities that were the largest producers of Gilman Fellows. These institutions have been recognized for their support of equality, diversity, and accessibility in studying abroad for American students through the Gilman program. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are sorted by institution size and degree category.
Santa Monica College is one of the top destinations for international students in the US and ranks third nationally and first in California among community colleges according to the Institute of International Education data for 2020-2021. In addition, through a pioneering Global Citizenship initiative, SMC is cultivating global awareness that uses curriculum, professional development, extracurricular activities, stays abroad and other programs, among other things.
While the SMC has put its Study Abroad program on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the college has historically offered robust, diverse Study Abroad offerings, ranging from week-long intensive programs to summer and winter sessions in places like Belize, Guatemala and South Africa on short-term “field study trips” over the spring break to England, Russia, Denmark and more. In addition to the Gilman Scholarships, SMC also offers scholarships as part of its Global Citizenship program and connects students with other relevant scholarship opportunities.
To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing successful careers in the government, nonprofit, and private sectors, contact [email protected] and visit www.gilmanscholarship. org. Further information on studying abroad at SMC can be found at smc.edu/studyabroad.
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