University of Rochester has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that will enable up to 25 University students to obtain their first U.S. passport and open the pathway to study abroad. In its fourth year, IIE awarded 51 institutions in the IIENetwork membership for this opportunity, the largest cohort to date.
Operating under the IIE Center for Access and Equity, the American Passport Project is committed to expanding access to international education opportunities by removing financial barrier, thereby increasing the diversity and inclusion of students studying abroad. 
The program prioritizes students early in their higher education experience to allow them ample time to go through the passport application and study abroad planning process with advising and support from the awarded institutions.
“Together with IIE, we are not only facilitating the acquisition of passports but are opening doors to global perspectives that are invaluable in today’s interconnected world,” says Tynelle Stewart, Assistant Vice Provost, Global Education & Executive Director of the Center for Education Abroad at the University of Rochester. “This initiative represents a critical step towards increasing the accessibility and inclusivity of international education.”
To date, the initiative has assisted 176 institutions across 41 states since 2021. In this year’s cohort, 41% of the institutions serve racially and ethnically diverse populations, including HBCUs, HSIs, AANAPISIs, and MSIs, as well as community colleges. These institutions prioritize demographics such as first-generation college students, racial/ethnic minorities, students with demonstrated financial need, and those who have never traveled abroad.
The Center for Education Abroad (CEA) at the University of Rochester is committed to building access and equity in education abroad opportunities. Through partnerships with campus and community organizations, the CEA is organizing informational sessions, peer mentorship programs, and a Passport Fair. These initiatives aim to streamline the passport application process and encourage students to seize the opportunity for international experiences.
Students interested in learning more about the IIE American Passport Project and upcoming events can contact Jen O’Neil, Enrollment & Special Programs Manager, at Jennifer.oneil@azarnewsonline.com.
About IIE:
The Institute of International Education (IIE) is the leader in designing and implementing international education strategies and program services. We work with governments, policymakers, educators, and employers across the globe to prepare students and professionals for the global workforce and equip them to solve the increasingly complex challenges facing our interconnected world. With support from donors, we also create initiatives that assist students, scholars, and artists whose lives and work are threatened; expand teaching and learning across cultures; and provide opportunities to underserved populations. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 16 offices and affiliates worldwide and over 1,600 higher education partners.
The IIENetwork is IIE’s global membership association supporting the strategic advancement of international education. Through the IIENetwork, IIE shares decades of experience and expertise, generates resources, and leverages knowledge and practices with members who are working to strategize and actualize international education efforts, including building international and academic partnerships, recruiting international students, and advocating for study abroad and student mobility.
About the University of Rochester:
The University of Rochester is a top-tier research institution in Rochester, NY that offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across disciplines. Celebrated for its commitment to excellence in education, research, and world-class medical center, the University of Rochester provides students with a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for success after graduation and as responsible global citizens.