Wallace State Awarded Grant to Help U.S. Students Obtain Passports

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College announced that it has been selected by the Institute of International Education (IIE) to receive an IIE American Passport Project grant that will enable Wallace State students to obtain their first U.S. Passport and open the pathway to study abroad. 

The $4,125 grant will fund passport-related expenses for 25 students, with each student receiving $165 to cover application fees and associated costs. The initiative is designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent students from considering international educational experiences.

Through the American Passport Project, IIE seeks to expand access to global learning by supporting students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel abroad during their college careers. Wallace State will prioritize first-year students—both freshmen and transfer students—who are Pell Grant eligible and have not previously held an adult passport.

“This opportunity is a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Vicki Karolewics, president of Wallace State. “By helping students obtain passports, we are opening doors to transformative international experiences that enrich their education and broaden their perspectives. We are grateful to IIE for investing in our students’ futures.”

Wallace State will identify and nominate 25 eligible students for the program, with IIE reviewing and confirming recipients. In addition to the financial support, the college will provide advising and resources to encourage participation in study abroad and other global learning initiatives.

“Many of our students face financial challenges that can make something as simple as applying for a passport feel out of reach,” said Kristen Holmes, vice president for students. “This funding removes that barrier and gives our first-year students the confidence to start thinking about traveling abroad. It’s about access and helping students see what’s possible.”

Funds may also be used to assist with additional passport-related expenses, including photos, transportation to passport acceptance facilities, and mailing costs, ensuring students have the support they need throughout the application process.

In its sixth year, the American Passport Project reflects IIE’s longstanding mission to promote international education and exchange by increasing participation among underrepresented student populations.

Students interested in applying for assistance may contact Dakota Nichols, Director of Student Engagement, at dakota.nichols@wallacestate.edu or 256.352.8047 or fill out an application here.

Wallace State students recently returned to an educational opportunity in Costa Rica. Previous destinations have included England, France, Spain, Germany, and many other countries over the past 20 years. Next year’s international study tour is planned for Ireland and reservations can be made here.

For more information about international programs at Wallace State Community College, visit www.wallacestate.edu/abroad and click on Wallace State-Led Short Term Study Tours.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.