RCCD Named a Top Producing Institution for Gilman International Scholarships
03/13/2026
The Riverside Community College District has been recognized as a Gilman Program 25th Anniversary Top Producing Institution, an honor awarded by the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The recognition places the district among the top institutions nationwide that have supported students receiving Gilman Scholarships during the program’s 25-year history.
The Gilman International Scholarship Program provides merit-based awards of up to $5,000 to American undergraduate students with high financial need to support academic study or internships abroad. Since its launch in 2001, the program has awarded more than 50,000 scholarships to students nationwide, many of whom are Federal Pell Grant recipients, first-generation college students, or from small towns and rural communities.
Through its Global Learning and Study Abroad program, Riverside Community College District provides students with opportunities to earn academic credit while engaging in international education experiences in locations such as Japan, China, Costa Rica, Italy, and Belize. The program supports students from the planning stages through their return, while helping them build skills in intercultural communication, collaboration, and global engagement.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and classified professionals who support students through the competitive Gilman scholarship process,” said Jeff Rhyne, Ph.D., coordinator of International Education and RCCD Study Abroad. “Helping students become Gilman Scholars is one lever we use to help all RCCD students afford the international academic experiences that strengthen their studies, prepare them for careers in an increasingly global world, and expand their understanding of the world.”
The Gilman International Scholarship Program is funded by the U.S. Congress and administered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with the Institute of International Education serving as the implementing partner.
“Being recognized as a Top Producing Institution for the Gilman Program reflects the district’s commitment to making global learning opportunities accessible to our students,” said Lijuan Zhai, Ph.D., associate vice chancellor of Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness. “Study abroad experiences provide valuable academic and professional perspectives, and we are proud to see our students represented among Gilman Scholars.”
Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications