Community College Educational Exchange Act

The Community College Educational Exchange Act would expand U.S. international educational exchanges by creating new programs that bring international scholars and professionals to United States junior or community colleges and postsecondary vocational institutions. It directs the Secretary of State and USAID to strengthen partnerships with eligible U.S. institutions (those with prior federal connections or eligibility to participate in DOS/USAID programs) and to offer scholarships for foreign students, scholars, and technical experts to spend up to one academic year at eligible institutions in key development sectors (e.g., food systems, engineering, IT, health and safety, water resources, environment, tourism, etc.). The act also creates a capacity-building program to help eligible institutions develop and expand study-abroad offerings, including small grants and training to design, manage, and sustain programs, with an emphasis on aligning study abroad with workforce needs in STEM, technical, and vocational fields. In addition, the bill requires outreach support, feedback on grant applications when possible, and a congressional briefing within one year regarding implementation, partnerships, and priorities. In short, the bill seeks to broaden and deepen educational exchanges by leveraging community colleges and vocational schools as hosts, expanding sectors of focus, and building U.S. institutions’ capacity to offer and manage study-abroad opportunities for international participants. It frames these activities as tools to advance U.S. foreign policy goals and national economic security while expanding access to international study and collaboration at nontraditional higher-education institutions.