Hudson County Community College to Receive Institute of International Education American Passport Grant

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has been selected to receive a grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE) American Passport Project to help up to 25 students obtain their first U.S. passports. Additionally, through a new and study-abroad program, some of these students will put their passports to use in Spring 2027 when they travel to the United Kingdom to study Culinary Arts. Now in its sixth year, IIE is awarding 40 institutions in its network to help 1,000 Pell-eligible college students through this opportunity.

“This funding will empower HCCC students to pursue once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that impact their academic and career paths,” said HCCC Interim President Dr. Lisa Dougherty. “Study-abroad programs help students boost their confidence, make global connections, explore unique learning styles, and attract future employers.”

IIE creates cross-border connections between higher education institutions, faculty, and students to cultivate research opportunities, foster diplomacy, and build capacity. A key program under the IIE Center for International Opportunities, the IIE American Passport Project promotes a more peaceful and prosperous world through cultural exchange. IIE and colleges and universities collectively work to expand study abroad participation on campuses throughout the nation.

To date, the IIE American Passport Project has issued more than 260 grants to higher education institutions in 42 states and the District of Columbia. The sixth cohort includes four community colleges, as well as New Jersey City University. IIE selects grant recipients based in part on demonstrated efforts to prioritize student populations from low-income backgrounds, students who have not traveled abroad as an adult or in a learning environment, and students in their first year of college.