[6]As part of the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program, the Tunisia Community College Scholarship Program (TCCSP) builds the workforce capacity of a diverse group of young ISET students from underserved populations across Tunisia. Through U.S.-based training and practical experience in leadership positions, community engagement, and in their professional fields, Tunisian youth gain the skills needed to contribute to economic development in Tunisia.
Through academic year programs of study, exploration of U.S. culture, professional internships, and integration into US communities, Thomas Jefferson scholars are poised to become 21st century citizens contributing to Tunisia’s economic development. The Tunisia Community College Scholarship Program is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.
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• Participants strengthen their capacity to meet key workforce needs in Tunisia through certification coursework, academic skills-building, personal development plans and professional internships.
• Participants develop the skills and perspectives of 21st century community leaders through cultural programs, community service and engagement, and leadership skills building.
• Participants create sustainable links with Americans and increase their understanding of each other’s culture and values, supporting people-to-people diplomacy for a more stable future.
• U.S. community colleges strengthen their ability to cultivate global leaders and internationalize their campus through collaboratively supporting participants and sharing lessons learned.
Tunisia has the 14th highest youth unemployment rate in the world and nearly twice as many graduates each year as new jobs. In the U.S., community colleges specialize in providing focused technical training, working closely with the private sector to bolster students' employability. Through TCCSP, young Tunisian ISET students become global citizens with the technical expertise, soft skills, and leadership acumen to advance Tunisia’s economic development, as well as a global perspective and commitment to improving their local communities.
Technical Skills Building: TCCSP participants attend a 10-month academic program at U.S. community colleges in select fields of study with the opportunity to earn professional certificates. Throughout the program, participants receive tailored support in developing and meeting professional and academic goals and improving their English language and academic skills.
Service Learning: Participants will take part in a service learning program which will foster meaningful engagement with their host community, offer insight into the diversity of the U.S., and provide participants with practical experience through community service.
Internships: In the second semester, fellows complete part-time internships, gaining experience in the American workplace and developing relationships with local businesses, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and other institutions.
Country Presentations: Students give at least one required presentation on Tunisia during the program, sharing their country's history and traditions with Americans.
Cultural Passport to America:Through the Passport, students present and reflect on how they have explored various aspects of U.S. culture and the linkages they’ve forged with Americans.
Alumni Programming: TCCSP alumni are provided with opportunities to continue to develop their workforce skills, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and maintain professional networks developed through the program.
tccsp@irex.org [8]