First Cohort of Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS) Recipients Announced by AIFS & Forum on Education Abroad
Five community college students receive funding to pursue education abroad experiences through AIFS-supported initiative
STAMFORD, Conn. (Sept. 3, 2026) — For many community college students, the desire to study abroad is there. Too often, the funding is not.
AIFS Abroad is proud to celebrate the first recipients of the Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS), an initiative of The Forum on Education Abroad supported by a $50,000 commitment from our parent organization, the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS). Created to help reduce the financial barriers that can put education abroad out of reach, the scholarship provides funding to community college students with demonstrated financial need.
The inaugural recipients are:
- Trinity Celestin, Florida SouthWestern State College — Korea
- Sarah Irani, Fullerton College — France
- Jazmine Lopez, Fullerton College — Italy
- Imogen Nieves, Austin Community College — England
- Grace Xu, Foothill College — Guatemala
The five recipients will use their scholarships to participate in education abroad programs during the 2026–27 academic year, pursuing a variety of academic interests and program types in destinations around the world.
The incredible response to the scholarship’s first application cycle underscored the need for greater financial support for community college students interested in international education. In just one month, The Forum received 147 applications from students across the United States seeking funding for an education abroad experience.
Community College Access Scholarship awards range from $2,000 to $5,000 and can be applied toward expenses including program fees, tuition, travel, passports and visas, housing, meals and other required costs.
For William L. Gertz, Chairman of AIFS, supporting greater access to education abroad for community college students has a personal significance.
“As a graduate of Sullivan County Community College in upstate New York, I can attest to the value of community colleges, [which] led me to my career and role as global leader of AIFS,” said Gertz.
Community colleges serve one of the most diverse student populations in U.S. higher education, yet financial barriers can make opportunities like studying abroad especially difficult to access. Through its support of the Community College Access Scholarship, AIFS is helping more students gain the global perspectives, academic growth and career readiness that can come from an international education experience.
The scholarship reflects AIFS’ longstanding belief that meaningful international experiences should be within reach for students from a wide range of backgrounds and educational pathways.
Applications Opening for Spring and Summer 2027
The next application cycle for the Community College Access Scholarship runs September 1 through October 1, 2026, for students planning to participate in education abroad programs during the Spring or Summer 2027 terms.
Students and higher education professionals can learn more about eligibility, application requirements and the Community College Access Scholarship through The Forum on Education Abroad.
About the Community College Access Scholarship (CCAS)
The CCAS is open to community college students enrolled in at least six credit hours in a degree-seeking program at an accredited U.S. institution. The program aims to support up to five awardees for each eligible term (fall semester, spring semester, and summer), awarding $2,000 – $5,000 depending on financial need and program cost. Applicants must demonstrate economic need through Pell eligibility, financial aid documentation, or explanation of financial circumstances. Applications must be submitted with The Forum on Education Abroad.
About AIFS & AIFS Abroad:
The American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS) is a charity-owned organization and a leader in cultural exchange and international education. Since its founding in 1964, more than 1.8 million individuals have participated in AIFS programs. AIFS Abroad, a division of AIFS, offers study abroad and international internship programs in more than 30 destinations around the world.
Learn more about how community colleges can offer customized faculty-led programs through AIFS Abroad.
Press Inquiries
Ana Wright
AIFSMedia@aifs.com