Miami, Oct. 28, 2021 – The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized Miami Dade College (MDC) for having produced the most Gilman recipients over the past two decades in the Associate Institution 20-year overall Top Producer category. Since 2001, 34 MDC students have received Gilman awards. The announcement was made this week by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Ethan Rosenzweig at the Diversity Abroad Annual Conference.
“MDC is honored to be recognized as a Gilman Program Top Producing Institution. As one of the most diverse colleges in the nation, the Gilman Program provides our predominately first-generation students with access to high impact international learning experience, “said Dr. Malou C. Harrison, MDC’s Executive Vice President and Provost. “I congratulate all Gilman Scholars from MDC who are now demonstrating their leadership and commitment to global citizenship.”
The U.S. colleges and universities recognized as “top producers” were selected for their support of equity, diversity, and accessibility in study abroad for American students through the Gilman Program. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.
At MDC, the Gilman competition is administered through the Office of International Education (OIE), Gilman Program Advisor, Gabriela Esteves and Financial Aid Advisor, Silvia Suarez. Information about The Gilman Scholarship is listed on the OIE’s website under Funding Your Study Abroad Experience.
This recognition coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduate students who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe.
The top 20 selected institutions were chosen based on twenty years of data and classified into four categories: small, medium, and large institutions and associate-awarding institutions. Colleges and universities in 27 states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, were represented, as well as 33 minority serving institutions.
To learn more about the Gilman and Gilman-McCain Scholarships and how their diverse alumni are pursuing impactful careers in the government, non-profit, and private sectors, contact eca-press@state.gov and visit www.gilmanscholarship.org.