Hyderabad: The US consulate general,with funding from the department of states bureau of educational and cultural affairs,has invited applications from eligible candidates for its community college initiatives program.The one-year program offers youth from Andhra Pradesh,without a university background,an opportunity to study at a community college in the US to develop professional skills.

The US government provides funding for round-trip airfare to the US,tuition costs,health benefit plan and cultural enhancement activities for selected candidates.Applicants must have completed secondary school education,have two years of work experience in the field they are applying for,have English language skills for enrolling in academic course work following two months of intensive English language study in the US.Economically disadvantaged candidates will be given preference.

Eligible fields for the program include agriculture,applied engineering,business management and administration,health professions including nursing,information technology,media,and tourism and hospitality management.Applications can be downloaded from http:// hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/ccip.html.Completed applications should be submitted by Oct 22.