Cal State San Bernardino has been selected to receive the Institute of International Education (IIE) American Passport Project grant that will enable 25 CSUSB students to obtain their U.S. passport, free of charge, and support their study abroad journeys. This year, 51 U.S. higher education institutions in the IIENetwork earned the grant, the IIE’s largest cohort to date.

Hyunkyoung Oh, faculty director of the Center for International Studies and Programs, played a key role in securing Cal State San Bernardino’s selection to receive the IIE American Passport Project grant. The grant makes international education opportunities accessible for Pell grant-eligible students at CSUSB and removes the financial barrier of obtaining a U.S. passport. This will increase the diversity and inclusion of students studying abroad.

IIE selected the grant recipients based on demonstrated efforts to prioritize underrepresented demographics, including first-generation students, racial minorities, students with demonstrated financial need, and students who have never traveled abroad.

This is the fourth year IIE has awarded the grant, and in this cohort, 41% of the recipients serve racial/ethnic minority-serving populations or are community colleges. The IIE American Passport Project strives to reach institutions that serve U.S. students who are underrepresented in study abroad. Since 2021, the program has supported 176 higher education institutions in 41 states.

To apply for the IIE American Passport Project grant, visit the Center for International Studies and Programs website.  

About the Institute of International Education
The Institute of International Education is a nonprofit that designs and implements international education strategies and program services. IIE works with governments, policymakers, educators and employers worldwide to prepare students and professionals for the workforce and equip them to solve complex challenges. With a network of 16 offices and affiliates, IIE has over 1,600 higher education partners.