Two Local Students Receive Scholarship for International Travel

PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 9, 2003 - Two students from Community College of Philadelphia have received Gilman Scholarships for International Travel. Amma Asamoah and Jesse Benton will use the $5,000 award to study overseas during the fall 2003 semester. Of 652 Gilman Scholars chosen nationally since the scholarship's inception, 13 have been from community colleges. Asamoah and Benton were chosen from a pool of 1,276 applicants. Both reside in Germantown.

Benton will spend fall 2003 in Japan studying Japanese language, art, literature and business. The program is through Brethren College and is based in Saporo, Japan.

Asamoah will study in Ghana through the University Studies Abroad Consortium during fall of 2003. The program focuses on the history, government, and politics of Ghana.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program was established in 2001 by Congress to assist students who wish to study abroad and have a financial need. The selection process is competitive based on a required essay and grade point average. Applicants also must be citizens of the United States, an undergraduate, and a Pell Grant recipient. Eligible students must receive credit for the international program of their choice.