WEB NEWS RELEASE
COLLEGE PARK, MD (May 2011) Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III will host a special reception for University of Maryland students who recently completed the International Ambassador Study Abroad Program during the 2010-2011 Academic Year.
For the third year, the Prince George’s County International Ambassador Study Abroad Scholarship Program (PGCIA) is supporting a diverse group of outstanding County Public School High School graduates enrolled at the University of Maryland College Park. The program targets students who are underrepresented in study abroad–students of color and those with financial need.
The Program is funded primarily by the Office of the County Executive, with additional support from the University of Maryland College Park. Need–based scholarships are provided to off-set study abroad program expenses. During the three years, the Program has made it possible for twenty–four students to study all over the world and develop the global competencies required to be successful in the 21st Century. The Program is administered by the International Center for Transcultural Education at the University of Marylands College of Education.
As part of the Programs community service, scholarship recipients visit County high schools to share their experiences with current students to encourage them to attend college and study internationally.
"Knowing how to operate internationally will be a requirement for successful professionals in tomorrow’s marketplace. All of our college students–not just the affluent–need to have the opportunity to develop the global skills that come with international study and travel," stated PGCIA Director, Dr. P. Bai Akridge. The reception will provide an opportunity to hear from students who have traveled to South Africa, Ghana, Israel, Brazil, Costa Rica, Australia, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Greece and France. Graduating seniors will also be recognized for their accomplishments.
-end-
For more information on the College of Education, visit: www.education.umd.edu
or contact
Halima Cherif, Assistant Director for Communications, at: hcherif@umd.edu
