2023-24 Community Colleges Initiative Program in Ukraine

Deadline: 20-Jan-23

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is now inviting applications for its 2023-24 Community Colleges Initiative (CCI) Program to provide Ukrainian post-secondary (college) students with the opportunity to study in a one-year, non-degree academic program at a local American college.

The CCI program builds technical skills of participants in applied fields, improves their leadership skills and strengthens their English language proficiency. The program also provides opportunities for professional internships and community volunteer activities that build understanding through immersion in the culture and daily life of the United States.

The Program provides participants with a non-degree, academic program at a U.S. community college designed to build participants’ technical skills in media literacy, enhance their leadership capabilities, and strengthen their English language proficiency. It also provides opportunities for professional internships, service learning, and community engagement. After completing the program, participants return home with enhanced skills to help them contribute to the economic development of their countries.

Field of study for participants from Ukraine

• Agriculture
• Management in business
• Early school education
• Information Technology
• Social services, health care and public safety
• Applied engineering
• Mass media: digital media and communications
• Tourism and hotel management

Eligibility Criteria

• Everyone who meets the CCI eligibility criteria listed below 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 are strongly encouraged to apply. 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 a country participating in the CCI Program.
  • Is currently residing in the eligible country.
  • Is 18 years or older by July 1, 2023.
  • Has successfully earned a secondary school diploma.
  • 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 field of application 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 solid working knowledge of English language as demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 79 or higher.
  • Has limited or no overseas study experience. Nominees with no prior overseas study or travel to the United States will be given placement priority.
  • Submits a complete original application.
  • 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, giving equal importance to all five pillars, 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 their home country after completion of the program and satisfying the J-visa two-year residency requirement.
  • Is able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States in July 2023.

For more information, visit CCI.