OGLESBY – Illinois Valley Community College’s Sabrina Belmonte of Mendota is a recipient of the U.S. State Department-sponsored Gilman Program scholarship to aid in her study abroad to Costa Rica this summer. The Gilman Program offers grants for undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue credit-bearing academic studies or career-oriented international internships. Belmonte, a first-year business student, will be taking a history course and intermediate Spanish. She chose Costa Rica for its culture and to enhance her Spanish-speaking skills.
“My career goal is to help minorities start their businesses across the world. Belmonte continues, “Between family, friends, IVCC, and now the Gilman Scholarship, I’m able to achieve my dreams.”
With State Department sponsorships, participants may be contacted by representatives of the U.S. embassy or consulate to attend diplomatic receptions, presentations on U.S. higher education and network opportunities with peers.
IVCC speech instructor and coordinator of student activities Cory Tomasson said, “I am excited for Sabrina. With her knowledge, drive, and character, she will thrive as an ambassador for IVCC in Costa Rica.”
