Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2024 by Polk Newsroom
Polk State College has been chosen by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive a grant that will allow up to 25 Polk State students to acquire their initial U.S. passports, paving the way for studying abroad. This year, IIE granted awards to 51 institutions in the IIENetwork, marking the largest group to date.
The American Passport Project, a significant initiative under IIE, reflects the organization’s dedication to providing access to international educational opportunities and promoting equity by eliminating financial barriers. This effort aims to enhance the diversity and inclusivity of students engaging in overseas studies. By focusing on students early in their college journey, the program facilitates the passport application process and study abroad planning, offering guidance and assistance through the participating institutions. The ultimate goal of the American Passport Project is to issue passports to 10,000 U.S. students by the end of this decade.
The IIE American Passport Project is designed to target a broad range of student demographics and educational institutions that cater to groups traditionally underrepresented in U.S. study abroad programs or those who typically do not possess U.S. passports. Since its inception in 2021, the program has assisted 176 higher education institutions across 41 states. In this fourth round of awards, 41% of the institutions serve racial/ethnic minority groups such as HBCUs, HSIs, AANAPISIs, and MSIs, or are community colleges. These institutions are primarily focusing on key demographics within their student bodies, including first-generation college students, racial/ethnic minorities, students with financial need, and those with no prior international travel experience.
As a nationally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Polk State College has a student body that is approximately 28% Hispanic. Moreover, around 44% of Polk State students benefit from need-based Pell grants, indicating financial challenges. Through its robust Global Initiatives Program, the IIE American Passport Project grant will contribute to broadening the College’s student population engaged in international studies by covering the passport expenses for those who may face financial constraints.
The grant application from the College highlighted that “many students feel that studying abroad is financially out of reach for them.”
“The passport scholarship provides crucial funding to inspire students to explore study abroad opportunities that may have seemed unattainable. As one student who recently received a scholarship expressed, studying abroad ‘challenged me…, and influenced my love and goals for learning other languages. This opportunity would have never happened without the support of Polk State’s scholarship.’ The impact of such scholarships can be lifelong, encouraging further academic pursuits and nurturing well-rounded global citizens.”
For more information on Polk State’s study abroad programs, visit .
About IIE
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is a leading organization in devising and implementing international education strategies and programs. Collaborating with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers worldwide, IIE prepares individuals for the global workforce and equips them to tackle the increasingly complex challenges of our interconnected world. Supported by donors, IIE initiates programs that aid students, scholars, and artists in jeopardy; promote cross-cultural teaching and learning; and offer opportunities to underserved populations. Established in 1919 as a nonprofit entity, IIE operates through a network of 16 offices and affiliates globally, partnering with over 1,600 higher education institutions.
With a focus on various core areas, IIE’s global offices and experienced personnel have developed expertise, capabilities, and best practices. These cutting-edge approaches are formalized in initiatives like IIE’s Center for International Partnerships and IIE’s Center for Access and Equity. The Center for Access and Equity strives to advance inclusive programming and fair practices in community building, enriching and expanding international education, exchange, and opportunities for all.
The is a global membership association affiliated with IIE, supporting the strategic advancement of international education. Through the IIENetwork, IIE shares its wealth of experience and expertise, generates resources, and leverages knowledge and practices with members involved in strategic international education efforts, encompassing the development of academic partnerships, international student recruitment, and advocacy for study abroad and student mobility.
About Polk State College
Situated in Winter Haven, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution catering to over 14,000 students pursuing Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, along with 9,000 individuals enrolled in various certificate and workforce training programs. The College also oversees three charter high schools.
Polk State College offers numerous advantages, including small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities, dedicated faculty, flexible class schedules, online learning options, affordable tuition, generous financial aid packages, and a diverse community with a vibrant student life that includes fine arts programs, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.