Kapiolani CC awarded $1.2 million Freeman Foundation Grant

Grant to fund intensive China, Japan and Korea language and culture programs

University of Hawaiʻi
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Posted: Dec 7, 2005

The Freeman Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting a better understanding of Asia by Americans, has awarded Kapiʻolani Community College (KCC) a $1.2 million grant to continue the integration of its International Language Study and Service Learning Abroad program for two more years. This is the second $1.2 million grant awarded by the Freeman Foundation to KCC.

"The impact that the Freeman Foundation grant has made on participating students from our seven community colleges is significant and impressive," said David McClain, UH Interim President. "We are pleased to continue to offer this unique educational experience as a result of the Foundation‘s donation."

The program is administered by KCC and is available to qualified students at all seven of UH‘s community colleges. It consists of a two-stage training program for up to 10 students each semester for intensive language study and participation in a semester study abroad in China, Japan or Korea.

The UH Community College (UHCC) students who participate develop second-language skills, as well as learn about the history and culture of China, Japan, or Korea. In addition, KCC has incorporated service learning into the program to instill a commitment to community service in the participating students.

"This program goes beyond the textbooks and classroom to give students a deeper and richer understanding of language and culture and how to be engaged in their community," said Leon Richards, Acting Chancellor of Kapiʻolani Community College. "It allows them to experience the culture, history and people behind the language, which makes this an invaluable experience."

The Freeman Foundation has supported the establishment of many Asian-related educational programs at American institutions, including University of Hawaiʻi Kapiʻolani Community College and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

The Foundation was founded in 1993, after the death of Mansfield Freeman, one of the founders of the American International Group (AIG). Freeman, an educator and scholar, began a lifelong love affair with Asia when he took up a teaching position in the early 1900s at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China.

"We are very grateful for the continued support of the Freeman Foundation," said UH Foundation President Donna Vuchinich. ""heir generosity truly exemplifies the transformative nature of private support, particularly with the Freeman Foundation's support of our student scholars to promote international understanding."

The KCC program will be accepting applications for the Korea program until March 6, 2006; the Korea program begins next summer. April 1st is the deadline for the Fall 2006 semester Japan language program. The China language program will accept applications in Fall 2006 for the spring semester 2007. Up to 10 UH Community College students will be selected each semester on a competitive basis to participate in the year-long programs. Complete details and applications can be found at www.kcc.hawaii.edu/academics/abroad.

About the Kapioʻlani Community College
Kapiʻolani Community College, part of the University of Hawaiʻi System, is a state-sponsored, two-year degree-granting academic institution. KCC attracts students from across the U.S. and internationally and serves a diverse student population with widely varying needs. The fully accessible campus includes 20 modern buildings integrated within beautiful and natural surroundings. In addition to offering college credit classes, KCC offers continuing education, training and general interest classes.

For more information, visit: http://www.kcc.hawaii.edu/academics/abroad