The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is set to launch the English Access Microscholarship Program at the Ahmedabad Management Association on August 2, 2014. This program will involve more than 200 students from Ahmedabad over a two-year period, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization Pratham Gujarat. The initiative aims to equip students with skills that can improve their job prospects and educational opportunities.
Jeffrey Ellis, Press Officer for the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, expressed optimism about the program's impact: "Our two countries need scientists, scholars, businesspeople, and government officials who can communicate with each other in the international language of science and commerce. Knowing the enthusiasm of the students, and mindful of this program’s past success stories, I am confident that this new batch of Access students can become future leaders who will help our two countries develop stronger ties."
The English Access Microscholarship Program by the U.S. State Department is designed for 14 to 18-year-olds globally to study English. Participants not only receive language training but also experience a U.S.-style classroom environment focused on active learning, skill development, and community service. Since its launch, embassies and consulates have chosen schools across 44 countries to include 20,000 students in this initiative.
In India, this program began in 2004 at four locations and has since expanded to include 15 cities such as Mumbai and Ahmedabad.