UC Davis has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that will enable up to 25 UC Davis undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens to obtain a U.S. passport. In this third year of the program, IIE awarded 48 institutions grants in the IIE Network.

“A passport facilitates students’ global travel and engagement, whether they study abroad or participate in research, internships or other community-engaged learning,” said Nancy Erbstein, associate vice provost of Global Education. “We look forward to supporting a group of incoming first-year and transfer students to obtain a passport and reduce barriers to international travel.”

As a key initiative under IIE’s newly launched Center for Access and Equity, the IIE American Passport Project represents IIE’s commitment to create equitable access to international education opportunities. Through this program, IIE is removing an initial financial barrier for many–the cost of a U.S. passport, with a goal to increase diversity and inclusion of students traveling abroad as part of their educational experiences.

This grant aligns with our Global Education for All goal of providing 100% of UC Davis students with global learning opportunities that change their lives and our world, whether they are on campus, online, in our region or in another country. By assisting UC Davis students to acquire a passport, we will help make global travel a greater possibility with an earlier start.

About the Global Learning Hub at UC Davis

As a part of Global Affairs, the Global Learning Hub aims to inspire global curiosity, understanding, and engagement.

Through the Global Learning Hub, every UC Davis student can find global learning opportunities available on campus, in the region, virtually, and internationally. The Hub offers global learning programs, workshops, and resources that enhance all UC Davis students’ academic and career pursuits through four broad areas of opportunities: Community Engagement; Global Skills and Leadership; Internships and Research; and Study Abroad. UC Davis is committed to preparing the next generation of global problem solvers and change makers. As such, we aim to prepare our undergraduate, graduate, and professional students to solve global challenges collaboratively, equitably, and sustainably.