Pomona students looking to study abroad have had a financial barrier removed, thanks to a grant from the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Pomona College is one of 40 institutions selected this year by the IIE to receive an American Passport Project grant, which will cover the cost for 25 Pell-eligible students to obtain their first U.S. passport.
“International education strengthens critical skills and connections students need to thrive in an interdependent world,” says Nicole Desjardins Gowdy, senior director of international and domestic programs. “This grant opens doors for students to experience cultures, perspectives, ideas, problem solving and ways of life beyond the United States’ borders.”
The Passport Project seeks to reach colleges and universities that serve a variety of U.S. student populations. Institutions are selected in part for their demonstrated efforts to prioritize student populations from low-income backgrounds and students who have not traveled abroad as an adult or in a learning environment. Pomona previously received the grant in 2024.
Lianna Holden ’28, one of the students who benefited from the grant that year, is studying in Prague this semester.
“The grant took away part of the financial burden of studying abroad,” says Holden, a politics major. “I’m away from the U.S. for my first time and am so thankful to have the privilege of this new experience.”
Mariela Tamez-Elizondo ’27, another 2024 recipient, was able to participate in the Global Gateways faculty-led program in Mexico the following year.
“Getting a passport can be really intimidating,” says Tamez-Elizondo, an art major. “And I was really scared that I wouldn’t be able to go to the program if I couldn’t fund the passport.”
She says she works two on-campus jobs, but because that income is used to cover existing expenses, it was hard to imagine how she would pay for a passport application and photos.
“The grant alleviated so much stress because I didn’t have to worry about getting the money for something that’s going to allow me to advance in my career and learning experiences,” she says.
Adelina Grotenhuis ’28, a science, technology and society major, traveled to the Netherlands through an Oldenborg International Research and Travel Grant in summer 2025 and says the passport grant helped allay the cost of having to apply for both an American and Dutch passport at the same time as a dual citizen.
As a student at the University of Amsterdam, she gained a global perspective for her life.
“I was able to meet people from all over the world,” she says. “And that really solidified my love for wanting to travel and work internationally in the future.”
Pomona offers 70 off-campus study programs in 38 countries, and approximately half of Pomona students participate in one before graduating.
Students interested in receiving passport funding this year can complete the application until December 1, 2026.