Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has been selected as a recipient of a grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE) American Passport Project, a move that will help up to 25 students secure their first U.S. passports and open doors to global study opportunities.
For many students, the $165 passport application fee serves as a significant hurdle to international education. By providing these grants, HCCC aims to remove that initial obstacle, encouraging Pell-eligible students to engage in study-abroad experiences they might otherwise miss.
“This funding will empower HCCC students to pursue once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that impact their academic and career paths,” HCCC Interim President Lisa Dougherty said. “Study-abroad programs help students boost their confidence, make global connections, explore unique learning styles, and attract future employers.”
The impact of this initiative will be felt as early as Spring 2027, when a cohort of students plans to use their newly acquired passports to travel to the United Kingdom for a specialized Culinary Arts study-abroad program.
The IIE American Passport Project, now in its sixth year, specifically targets institutions that prioritize students from low-income backgrounds and those who have not previously traveled abroad. To date, the project has issued more than 260 grants across the United States. HCCC joins a diverse cohort of 40 institutions nationwide selected for this year’s cycle, including New Jersey City University.
This grant adds to a growing list of accolades for HCCC, which was recently recognized as a 2026 Bellwether “Best in Showcase” award winner. Known for its award-winning Culinary Arts program—ranked number six in the U.S.—HCCC continues to focus on equity and mobility, having been designated a “Leader College of Distinction” by the national nonprofit Achieving the Dream.
For HCCC students, the passport project is the latest example of the college’s commitment to expanding student horizons through global exposure and hands-on learning.
