Edmonds Community College recently received a $1.4 million grant for international education from the U.S. Department of State to give technical training to young professionals from Egypt.
The college is working with Whatcom Community College and Community Colleges of Spokane. In fall 2009, the colleges will welcome 48 Egyptian undergraduates to their campuses, each hosting about 16 students for a year.
“This grant gives less privileged members of Egyptian society access to higher education and preparation for future leadership. It will also help our local community to learn about Egypt and the needs and aspirations of its people,” said Edmonds Community College’s vice president of international education, David Cordell, in a press release.
The students will finish one-year professional development certificates in programs like agriculture, applied engineering, business management and administration, allied health, information technology or hospitality and tourism management.
They will also do internships that introduce them to local businesses.
In total, the national Egypt exchange program seeks to place 400 students in the U.S. over a three-year period. Edmonds Community College will be the coordinator for the Northwest consortium.
Each school will assign an adviser to the Egyptian students to offer them academic and personal support. They will also create opportunities for the students to engage in the local community so that they can share their culture and learn about the country.
This will include visits to college classes, local K-12 schools and city, business, and professional meetings.
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