The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), will host a reception on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at 6:00 p.m., to mark the tenth anniversary of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships to U.S. undergraduates with financial need for study abroad, including students from diverse backgrounds and students going to non-traditional study abroad destinations.  Established under the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, Gilman Scholarships provide up to $5,000 for American students to pursue overseas study for college credit.

The reception will be held at in the Columbus Club at Union Station in Washington, DC. During the reception, Gilman Program alumni and U.S. campus study abroad advisors will be recognized for their contributions to the program’s success. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Adam Ereli will make formal remarks.