Oct. 28, 2026
Traveling the world and earning college credit could be closer than you think. Thanks to a grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE) and an upcoming campus Passport Fair, GRCC is lowering the barriers so your education can take flight to new destinations.
American Passport Project Grant
An American Passport Project grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE) will enable up to 25 GRCC students to get their first U.S. passport and stamp their ticket to international travel and study abroad opportunities.
Through the grant, approved students may receive up to $165 in reimbursement toward eligible U.S. passport application fees. Students can review eligibility requirements and complete the Passport Funding Application on the Study Away web page.
GRCC Passport Fair on Dec. 2
GRCC’s Center for High-Impact Experiences (CHIE) is partnering with the City of Kentwood Clerk’s Office to make the passport process easier for students. The fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall (RJF) rooms 108/109.
At the Passport Fair, students can
- Receive assistance completing your passport application.
- Submit your passport application onsite.
- Take a passport photo ($10 fee).
- Learn more about Study Away and international opportunities.
Students who register for the event will receive a passport ready check-list that details what paperwork to complete ahead of time, which documents to bring and the application fees required.
See the World, Earn College Credit
GRCC offers Study Away programs each summer through the CHIE. Each trip connects to a GRCC course and offers unforgettable opportunities for cultural learning, hands-on exploration and personal growth. GRCC students have hiked through Portugal and Spain, explored the desert and mountains of Morocco, taken cooking classes in Japan and visited historical landmarks in Greece.
“Study Away challenges the traditional perception of what a community college experience can be,” said Mike Schavey, executive director of CHIE. “At GRCC, students have opportunities to take their learning beyond the classroom, experience different cultures and see the world through new perspectives. These experiences can be transformative, building confidence, independence and a greater understanding of the world.”
While study abroad among college students continues to increase, cost continues to be a barrier. By removing the initial financial barrier associated with passport applications and prioritizing students early in their higher education experience, IIE and institutions like GRCC are collectively working to expand participation in study abroad.
About IIE American Passport Project
The IIE American Passport Project advances IIE’s commitment to promoting international education and exchange, so more American students can gain the associated academic and career benefits. The grants cover the cost of applying for a U.S. passport, a critical first step to studying abroad. In addition, it prioritizes students early in their higher education experience, providing ample time to go through the study abroad planning process with advising and support from their home institutions. GRCC is one of four community colleges chosen to receive the grant.