The Institute of International Education (IIE) selected Temple University as one of 51 institutions to receive the IIE American Passport Project grant, enabling 25 Temple Cecil B. Moore Scholars to obtain their first U.S. passport at no cost. This project, designed to increase access to international education, removes a financial barrier to study abroad, and ensures students receive support for navigating the passport application process and study abroad planning early in their academic career.
“The IIE American Passport Project directly aligns with Education Abroad’s ongoing commitment to creating pathways for all students to access high-quality global education and has enhanced our partnership with the Cecil B. Moore Scholars Program,” said Sara Sequin, senior associate director of Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses.
To make the passport application process as seamless as possible, Education Abroad hosted a Passport Application Submission Day in collaboration with the Philadelphia Passport Agency. Agents visited Temple to accept passport applications on-site and while doing so, took the opportunity to share their own travel experiences and inspire the scholars to pursue study abroad.
“The IIE American Passport Project directly aligns with Education Abroad’s ongoing commitment to creating pathways for all students to access high-quality global education and has enhanced our partnership with the Cecil B. Moore Scholars Program.”
– Sarah Sequin, senior associate director of Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses
Leading up to the event, Education Abroad provided tailored instructions on how to apply for a passport, conducted workshops to guide scholars through the application process, reviewed required paperwork, and provided a passport photo service.
Through tailored outreach, program and scholarship advising, and connections with study abroad alumni, Education Abroad will continue to support and encourage Cecil B. Moore Scholar passport recipients as they pursue international experiences. Support for all Cecil B. Moore Scholars will include cohort-specific information sessions and encouraging all eligible incoming scholars to apply for Temple’s own Passport Scholarship.
Beyond the IIE American Passport Project, Education Abroad’s efforts to enhance access to study abroad include developing innovative programs that cater to a diverse range of interests and needs, awarding study abroad scholarships ($550,000 awarded in 2023-2024), advising extensively on external scholarships, promoting financial literacy, and collaborating with academic advisors to ensure that study abroad opportunities align with students’ academic plans and graduation timelines.
By Massin Larbi, CLA ’25, Global Engagement writing intern
Header image: Temple Cecil B. Moore Scholars show off their new passports at the Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses Office
provided by Sara Sequin