BMCC Receives CIEE Grant to Lead Transformative Global Scholars Program

Five Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC/CUNY) students— Benita Batama (Communications), Jessie Lee (Computer Information Systems), Michele Thomas (Business Administration), Faynat Wassihun (Communications) and Saffiyah Wilkerson (Animation)— will undertake summer internships in London and Paris as part of a new grant-funded partnership with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

On May 9, CIEE announced that it had selected BMCC as one of four nationally recognized institutions of higher education to receive $1 million in matching grants over four years to establish new Study Abroad programs that will advance institutional goals while improving student outcomes.

As CIEE noted in its press release, BMCC seeks to become the nation’s leading community college for shaping globally minded and prepared graduates who are ready to serve their communities locally, nationally and internationally. The BMCC Global Scholars Program will serve 1,000 students over four years via international internships, international service programs and faculty-led honors programs for exceptional BMCC students.

This bold goal would represent a four-fold increase in the number of students who currently participate annually in Study Abroad programs and position BMCC as the nation’s leader in preparing associate degree recipients as global leaders.

“For many of our students, studying abroad or studying away is a distant dream,” said BMCC President, Dr. Anthony E. Munroe. “However, recognizing the immense value that such an experience can contribute to personal and professional growth, we are committed to providing our students with this invaluable opportunity.”

James P. Pellow, Ed.D., President and CEO of CIEE said his organization looks forward to working with BMCC.

“BMCC seeks to be the leading international educator among over 900 two-year public community colleges in America and we look forward to working with BMCC leadership over the next four years to help them implement their bold vision,” said President Pelow.

BMCC’s Global Scholars Program will have three distinct program planks to ensure all students from all majors and backgrounds can be candidates.

The Global Scholars Program will include an eight-week summer global internship, a four-week summer international service program, and a series of annual two-week summer faculty-led programs for high achieving students to learn and serve in a variety of international locations. Student cohorts will be ethnically diverse, Pell-eligible, and first-generation.

Through the BMCC Global Scholars Program, BMCC seeks to become the nation’s leading two-year degree college for global programs, demonstrate that students from high-risk backgrounds and non-traditional student profiles can participate in global programs and develop the life-changing skills and experiences provided by such programs to advance their careers and economic mobility.

Study Abroad is a transformative journey that opens doors.

President Munroe said the College is excited to help redefine the essence of what some have come to expect from a community college.

“Studying abroad is not merely about academic pursuits within the confines of a classroom; it is a transformative journey that opens doors to a world of diverse customs, traditions, and perspectives,” said President Munroe.

“By immersing themselves in different cultures, our students will not only broaden their horizons but also enhance their ability to adapt, communicate effectively, and embrace global citizenship,” he adds.

“Furthermore, the challenges and uncertainties that come with navigating unfamiliar territories will instill in our students a sense of independence and self-reliance that will serve them well in all their future endeavors. I am immensely grateful to Dr. Pellow for his unwavering support and investment in our College that will enable far more BMCC students to participate in this life-changing opportunity.”

President Munroe will be a featured speaker at the 12th Annual Global Internship Conference (GIC) in London on June 19-21.

BMCC students gain valuable career and cultural experience.

Three of the five Global Scholars Program students will travel to Paris while two will travel to London. They will work in a range of capacities including gamification of SaaS solutions, video production, marketing, research, communications, social media management, content creation and influencer outreach according to Sharon Reid, Director of Internships and Experiential Learning, BMCC.

“Their employers represent a cross-section of sectors such as consulting, hospitality, healthcare-life science, and sustainable fashion,” said Reid. “In particular, this experience will allow our students to hone intercultural competencies necessary to be the most competitive job seekers. Their teamwork skills will be enhanced as they build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.”

All the students will receive academic credit for these experiences.

On May 16, several of the students attended a luncheon with BMCC President Munroe, Cabinet members and other College officials. The students shared their excitement about the upcoming ventures.

Communications major Benita Batama will be interning at Chateau Des Joncherets in Paris.  She said she is ecstatic about spending time abroad, exploring Paris and making new connections.

“It feels surreal being on this venture and I look forward to advancing in my career, expanding my intercultural awareness and honing my leadership skills,” said Batama. “It’s a great privilege to be a part of this experience while also gaining college credit towards my major.”

Business Management major Michele Thomas is also heading to Paris where she will dive into the world of marketing at a fashion firm.

“From exploring hidden gems in the city to gaining hands on experience in the fashion industry, this journey is about blending my passion for business and fashion with the allure of French culture,” said Thomas. “Here’s to embracing every moment, from the hustle of intern life to the magic of living abroad.”