Embedded Files
MCGI Passport Grants
MCGI Passport Grants
Mount Holyoke College was selected as a 2023 recipient of an IIE American Passport Project grant, which enabled the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives (MCGI) to assist 25 eligible students obtain their U.S. passport. The IIE American Passport Project is an award for U.S. colleges and universities in the IIENetwork, which aims to support first-year, Pell-eligible students obtain a U.S. passport and encourage participation in study abroad.
MCGI is continuing to offer passport grants annually to eligible students. MCGI provides financial support and assistance in preparing the required paperwork and scheduling a passport processing appointment for up to 25 eligible students each year.
To be eligible, students must be:
a U.S. citizen and eligible for a U.S. passport
a first or second year student
applying for their first adult U.S. passport. (If you’ve had a U.S. passport as a minor – age 15 years or younger – that is expired, we would consider you not having an adult passport). Students who are trying to renew an adult U.S. passport are not eligible.
Pell-eligible
considering study abroad sometime during your time as a student at Mount Holyoke
What the $185 grant covers:
$130 application fee for obtaining a first-time adult U.S. passport book or
the renewal of a U.S. passport book$35 acceptance fee to the USPS
$20 passport photos
How to apply:
Complete the MCGI Passport Grant application between September 1 and November 15 (application link will appear on this page when applications are being accepted)
Applications (25 total) will be awarded to eligible students on a first come/first served basis; the application will close once 25 eligible students have been awarded a passport grant
Recipients agree to
Meet with an MCGI staff member to prepare the passport application
Obtain in a timely fashion official citizenship evidence (birth certificate) and identification (social security card, state photo ID, etc.) to submit with the passport application
submit their passport application no later than spring break in the academic year they're awarded the grant
Erin Foley '23
Spring 2023 semester abroad
Maastricht University, Center for European Studies, The Netherlands
My name is Erin Foley, I am a first-generation college student, and the first in my family to obtain a U.S. adult passport. As someone who just recently navigated this on my own (in order to have the opportunity to study abroad), I understand firsthand how confusing, frustrating, and stressful the process can be!
However, it was all made worth it in the end when I was able to expand my worldview, build confidence, and have the time of my life studying abroad. Since getting my passport and studying abroad empowered me in many ways.
Page updated
Report abuse