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Proyecta 100,000 scholars at Hawaiʻi Community College

Hawaiʻi Community College and Leeward Community College have wrapped up intensive educational programs for visiting scholars from Mexico.

Hawaiʻi CC and Leeward CC were selected to participate in Proyecta 100,000—a scholarship program sponsored by the Mexican government, academia and the private sector to promote English language fluency among Mexican university students and teachers.

The program is designed to promote bilateral cooperation in higher education, innovation and scientific research between Mexico and the United States.

Proyecta 100,000 complements the U.S. government’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas initiative.

“The program recognizes shared connections with countries in Latin America and aims to prepare University of Hawaiʻi students and our community for the 21st century global workforce,” said Joanne Taira, senior executive for international and strategic initiatives.

Hawaiʻi CC and Leeward CC welcomed a combined 31 visiting scholars from the Mexican states of Puebla, Nayarit and Oaxaca to study English on their campuses.

Students visiting Hawaiʻi CC participated in a five-week intensive English program, as well as campus events such as International Education Week and a variety of excursions.

Students visiting Leeward CC enrolled in the English Language Institute, participated in International Education Week activities and observed credit classes in their majors.

In turn, Proyecta 100,000 also exposed Hawaiʻi CC and Leeward CC students and their communities to valuable cultural exchanges that promote the importance of global understanding, and recognizing, with appreciation, the distinctive diversity of the people and culture of Hawaiʻi and the world.

“Increasing the global competencies of all U.S. students will help to strengthen U.S. education and advance our nation’s international priorities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan.

The ultimate goal of Proyecta 100,000 is to send 100,000 Mexican students to the U.S. to learn English by 2018. There are currently 7,500 Proyecta 100,000 scholars studying English as a Second Language at 194 universities and community colleges throughout the United States.

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