Photo Caption: (From left to right) Mohamed Mbarek, Rania Kthiri and Mahmoud Chaieb
Kirkwood Community College is pleased to welcome new international students on campus as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program’s Tunisia Community College Scholarship Program (TCCSP). Joining the Kirkwood Community College family are Mohamed Mbarek, Rania Kthiri and Mahmoud Chaieb.
The TCCSP builds the workforce and leadership skills of a diverse group of young technical institute students from across Tunisia. Through U.S.-based training, practical professional experience, community engagement and service learning, Tunisian youth gain the skills needed to contribute to economic and social development in Tunisia.
Through a yearlong program of study in the United States, TCCSP participants develop academic knowledge and skills in their field of study. By interacting with Americans in the classroom, in the community and through service-learning activities, TCCSP participants develop a broad and nuanced understanding of U.S. values, become citizen ambassadors, and create links between Tunisians and Americans to increase cross-cultural understanding.
In order to gain practical hands-on experience in their fields of study, TCCSP participants engage in career preparation activities in the fall semester and undertake professional internships in the community during the spring semester. They return to Tunisia with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be leaders and innovators in their fields and contribute positively to Tunisia’s economic development.
The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U. S. Department of State, supported by the people of the United States, and administered by International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX). For more information about the program, visit: www.irex.org/projects/tccsp.
As mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, the ECA works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public -private partnerships. For more information, visit: http://eca.state.gov/about-bureau or contact eca-press@state.gov.
IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing thought leadership and innovative programs to promote positive lasting change globally. We enable local individuals and institutions to build key elements of a vibrant society: quality education, independent media and strong communities. To strengthen these sectors, our program activities also include conflict resolution and technology for development. For more information, visit: www.irex.org/about-us or contact tccsp@irex.org.