Request for Applications: Community College Initiative Program (Bangladesh)

This U.S. Department of State exchange program provides scholarships for Bangladeshi undergraduate students to spend one academic year studying at a U.S. community college.

Focus Areas

• The program provides academic instruction at community colleges throughout the U.S. in the fields of:
  • Agriculture
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Business and Entrepreneurship
  • Applied Engineering
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Creative Economy and Media

Benefits

• Academics: Students will complete one year of academic coursework at a U.S. community college in their selected field of study and may earn professional certificates.
• Service Learning: Students will participate in local community service activities to develop their leadership skills.
• Internships: Students will gain hands-on professional experience by working at renown organizations, businesses, and companies based in the United States.
• Cultural Exchange: Students will learn about American culture and share their culture as a youth ambassador through activities such as exhibitions and performances.
• Leadership: Students will enhance their leadership capabilities through CCI leadership programming activities focused on reflection and goal setting.
• Action Planning: During their time in the United States, students will develop an action project, portfolio, or community outreach plan to create positive change in their home communities upon returning to Bangladesh.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant:
  • Is a citizen, national or permanent resident qualified to hold a valid passport issued by a country participating in the CCI Program.
  • Is currently residing in the eligible country.
  • Is 18 years or older by July 1, 2025.
  • Has successfully earned a higher secondary school certificate.
  • Has not completed the equivalent of three years toward a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher in the field of study the applicant is nominated to pursue. Nominees without substantive post-secondary education will be given placement priority.
  • Has demonstrated commitment to the selected field of study through some academic or professional experience. The program aims to identify participants with proven skills or interest and limited professional experience in the fields of study offered.
  • Has basic working knowledge of English language as demonstrated by a minimum TOEFL score of 420 or equivalency of IELTS or Duolingo. Students may apply without an English language test at this moment; however, they will have to take a test before they are finally selected. (Note: To enroll in credit-bearing courses in an academic field of study, the applicant must meet the minimum language requirements of the host college—usually 500 on the TOEFL test or equivalent scores on other standardized tests. English language training will be necessary and is available for those who do not demonstrate this level of proficiency. Participants with a score below 500 must have an interest in taking English language classes as a primary academic focus; they will have very limited access to courses in their field of study. Participant language skills will be evaluated upon arrival at the host institution. A host campus testing result will be the score used to determine course placements.)
  • Has limited or no overseas study experience. Nominees with no prior overseas study or travel to the United States will be given placement priority.
  • Submits a complete original application.
  • Is able to receive a U.S. J-1 visa and meet the program conditions to maintain that status.
  • Is willing and mentally and physically able (with accommodations as required) to complete the program in its entirety, giving equal importance to all five pillars, including activities or travel that may be programmed on any day of the week, possibly including early morning or evening hours.
  • Is committed to returning to their home country after completion of the program and satisfying the J-visa two-year residency requirement.
  • Is able to begin the academic exchange program in the United States in July 2026.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.