Mt. SAC's Study Abroad One of Top Gilman Scholars Producers
April 28, 2026 - 12:25 AM
Mt. SAC has been recognized as one of the top producers of recipients for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.
This recognition, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the program, identifies the U.S. colleges and universities that have supported the most Gilman Scholars from 2001-2025 across four categories: small, medium, and large institutions and associate degree-granting institutions. These 103 colleges and universities represent 31 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Mt. SAC is ranked No. 6 in the associate degree-granting institutions category.
“This recognition is a significant achievement for Mt. SAC, particularly as community colleges have historically been underrepresented in study abroad participation. This success is also a reflection of the strong support system behind each applicant,” Mt. SAC’s Study Abroad Advisor Ramiro Pinedo Jr. says. “Mt. SAC’s Study Abroad office provides personalized advising to guide students through every step of the application process, along with applicant nominations that help strengthen submissions.
“Through these efforts, more students are empowered to see study abroad as an achievable and transformative experience.”
Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Program supports American undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. Since its launch in 2001, the program has enabled more than 50,000 students from diverse backgrounds to participate in meaningful educational experiences across more than 160 countries.
Mt. SAC has had 79 students since the 2013 Fall Semester receive an award from the Gilman Program, totaling $198,000 in total scholarship funds.
Students must be Pell-Grant eligible to apply and must apply through the program's official website. Applications open twice per year, and students must have their applications certified by Pinedo and the Financial Aid Office before their application is sent for national review.
The Gilman Program plays an important role in advancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity by broadening participation in study abroad and encouraging students to engage with regions of the world where fewer Americans traditionally study.
To learn more about the Study Abroad Program at Mt. SAC, visit https://www.mtsac.edu/studyabroad/ or call (909) 274-4534.
