UH Hilo receives grant to help students obtain U.S. passport, open pathway to study abroad
The program prioritizes students in their first year without a U.S. passport; students have ample time to receive their passport and map out a study abroad plan.
By Susan Enright/UH Hilo Stories.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo has received a grant to help up to 25 students obtain their first U.S. passport and open pathway to study abroad.
The American Passport Project of the Institute of International Education is in its fifth year, and this year awarded 45 institutions in the IIENetwork funds to help 1,275 Pell-eligible college students.
The program prioritizes students in their first year at the institution who have not yet received a U.S. passport, giving students time to receive their passport along with help from their advisors to map out a study abroad plan.
UH Hilo has until April 2026 to award the 25 U.S. passports. The funding will cover the passport book ($130) and acceptance fee ($35) for each student.
“We are honored and grateful to be selected by the Institute of International Education for the American Passport Project grant,” says Carolina Lam, director of global education at UH Hilo’s Center for Global Education and Exchange. “This opportunity empowers UH Hilo students to take their first step toward international study and global exploration.”
- Read a selection of stories about UH Hilo students studying abroad.
The IIE American Passport Project promotes international education and exchange so that all students can gain the academic and career benefits of international experiences. By removing the initial financial barrier associated with passport applications and prioritizing students early in their higher education experience, the organization and award recipient institutions work collaboratively to expand participation in study abroad at each campus.
The passport project supports institutions that serve a variety of U.S. student populations that often may not be participating in study abroad. Institutions are selected based in part on demonstrated efforts to prioritize student populations from low-income backgrounds and students who have not traveled abroad as an adult or in a learning environment.
“Mahalo to IIE for supporting the next generation of Global Vulcans,” says Lam.
Story by Susan Enright, public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
