Oglethorpe University has been selected by the Institute of International Education to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that provides funding for 25 Oglethorpe students to apply for U.S. passports during the fall semester — bringing them one step closer to studying abroad.

Seeking to reduce the cost of studying abroad for students, The Oglethorpe University Department of Global Education applied for the funding and will be managing the program through the next academic year.

Now in its second year, the IIE American Passport Project grant is intended to promote diversity, inclusion, access and equity in study abroad, so that all students can gain the academic and career benefits of a global experience.

The project aims to minimize financial barriers and encourage students to go abroad who otherwise might not participate in an international experience as part of their college education.

Through the end of the decade, the project is annually helping 1,000 college students obtain a U.S. passport by awarding funds to approximately 40 U.S. colleges and universities. Each institution will identify up to 25 first-year Pell-eligible students to receive free passports. By 2030, the grant will have helped 10,000 students secure a passport.

Established in 1919, IIE supports student mobility and exchange, campus internationalization, and international partnerships. A not-for-profit with 17 offices and affiliates worldwide, IIE manages 200+ programs with thousands of participants from 180+ countries. IIE also collaborates with corporate, government and foundation partners across the globe to design and manage scholarship, study abroad, workforce training, and leadership development programs.

Details for students applying for passport funding are forthcoming.