Hyderabad|India|September'2010:The U.S. Consulate General, with funding from the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs invites applications from eligible candidates for the Community College Initiatives Program.

The one-year program offers youth from Andhra Pradesh, without a university background, the opportunity to study at a community college in the United States to develop professional skills.

This is the second year that the U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad has sought applicants. Last year, seven applicants from Andhra Pradesh were selected and are now studying in the U.S.

The United States Government provides funding for round-trip airfare to the U.S., tuition costs, health benefit plan and cultural enhancement activities for selected candidates.

To apply to the program, candidates must have completed secondary school education; have two years work experience in the field in which they are applying. They must also have English language skills that will provide a basis for enrolling in academic course work following two months of intensive English language study in the U.S.

Candidates from economically disadvantaged background will be given preference. Candidates holding a master’s degree are ineligible to apply.

Eligible fields for the program include Agriculture, Applied Engineering, Business Management and Administration; Health Professions, including Nursing; Information Technology; Media; and Tourism and Hospitality Management.

Applications can be downloaded from http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/ccip.html. Interested candidates are strongly recommended to submit their completed applications to the Public Affairs Section, U.S. Consulate General - Hyderabad by October 22, 2010.

For further information about the program email the Public Affairs Section at HyderabadPA@state.gov