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 technical institute students from across all regions of Tunisia.

Through U.S.-based training and practical experience in leadership positions and community engagement opportunities, Tunisian youth gain the skills to contribute to economic development in Tunisia.

The Thomas Jefferson Scholarship Program’s Tunisia Community College Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.

• Participants strengthen their capacity to meet key workforce needs in Tunisia through certification coursework, academic skill-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.

• Participants represent communities across Tunisia, with more that 70% coming from outside of the capital area, and more than 30% from the interior governorates along the Algerian and Libyan borders.
• Employers look for a series of key competencies in young employees. Nearly 100% of students completing the program express they’ve developed these key “soft skills”, including job search skills, problem-solving skills, time management, stress-management, and teamwork.
• More than 75% of alumni report that they have served in a leadership role, and 58% of TCCSP alumni from the first cohort of participants report that they have started an initiative in Tunisia.

• Technical skill 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 that fosters meaningful engagement with their host community, offers insight into the diversity of the United States, and provides 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.
• Alumni engagement: TCCSP alumni continue to develop their workforce skills, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and maintain professional networks developed through the program.

E-mail: tccsp@irex.org