Brookdale Top Ten In The Country Committed To Study Abroad

Brookdale Community College was recognized today by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for having produced the most Gilman recipients over the past twenty years in the Study Abroad category.

Twenty-one students from Brookdale have received Gilman awards since 2001. “We are delighted to receive this honor,” said Dr. Janice Thomas, International Education Center director. “The Gilman Scholarship program has been key to helping us reduce financial barriers to study abroad, thereby providing access to global opportunities for dozens of students.”

Throughout its twenty-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.

Today at the Diversity Abroad Conference, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig virtually announced the U.S. colleges and universities that have sent the most Gilman Scholars abroad over the past two decades. These institutions were recognized for their support of equity, diversity, and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program. In collaboration with the Institute of International Education, the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs compiles the lists, organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.

Based on twenty years of data, the top twenty institutions in four categories are being honored: small, medium, and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. In addition, colleges and universities in twenty-seven states, plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, are represented, and thirty-three Minority Serving Institutions.

As the recent Department of State and Department of Education Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education noted, “All Americans need to be equipped with global and cultural competencies to navigate the ever-changing landscapes of education, international business, scientific discovery and innovation, and the global economy.”

To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov and visit www.gilmanscholarship.org. The website includes a full list of the institutions by category and additional information on the Gilman Program’s 20th anniversary.

The Gilman competition is administered at Brookdale Community College through the International Education Center and the Office of Financial Aid. For more information email international@brookdalecc.edu or call 732-224-2799.