PVAMU awarded prestigious grant to expand global education initiatives – PVAMU Home

Prairie View A&M University Awarded Texas International Education Fund Grant to Advance Global Education Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), located in Texas, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Texas International Education Fund (TIEF) grant, awarded by the Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC). This grant supports innovative international projects aimed at expanding global experiences on Texas campuses and enhancing educational opportunities. The initiatives funded by this grant strongly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting quality education, reduced inequalities, and global partnerships.

Grant Recipients and Project Overview

1. Dr. Camille Gibson, Ph.D.
   • Endowed Professor of Justice Studies and Dean of Graduate Studies at PVAMU.
   • Recipient of the TIEF COIL Grant, one of eleven awarded projects.
   • Project Focus: Virtual exchange program between criminal justice students at PVAMU and ICFAI Law School in Hyderabad, India.
   • Objectives:
     • Compare global justice systems.
     • Enhance students’ problem-solving skills.
     • Develop cultural competency.
     • Advance PVAMU’s global objectives in alignment with the B-Global Quality Enhancement Plan.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 4: Quality Education – promoting inclusive and equitable quality education through virtual international collaboration.
     • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – fostering understanding of justice systems globally.
     • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – encouraging international academic partnerships.
2. Dr. James Williams, Ph.D.
   • Lecturer in the Department of Languages and Communication at PVAMU.
   • Recipient of the Study Abroad Development Grant.
   • Project Focus: Expanding immersive international experiences for first-year students and Spanish language learners.
   • Objectives:
     • Provide freshmen with study abroad opportunities.
     • Break down negative ideologies about other countries.
     • Reciprocate study abroad experiences.
   • SDG Alignment:
     • SDG 4: Quality Education – enhancing educational experiences through cultural immersion.
     • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – promoting cultural understanding and reducing prejudices.
     • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering international exchange and cooperation.

Implementation and Impact

• Virtual Exchange Program: Dr. Gibson emphasizes the importance of careful planning to address challenges such as differing academic calendars, time zones, and technological infrastructure. The program facilitates rapport building and cultural understanding, essential skills for students in a globalized world.
• Study Abroad Program: Dr. Williams has led multiple student trips abroad, including a 2025 trip to the Dominican Republic. His initiative is supported through Summer 2026, with plans to expand the program via additional TIEF grant applications.

Institutional Commitment and Broader Significance

Both projects exemplify PVAMU’s dedication to global education and cross-cultural engagement, directly supporting the vision of the Texas International Education Fund to prepare Texas students for addressing global challenges. These initiatives contribute to multiple SDGs by fostering inclusive education, cultural competency, and international collaboration.

Statements from Leadership

“At the Texas International Education Consortium, we are inspired by the faculty and staff in Texas and around the world who accept the challenge to bring a broader global perspective to their students through international experiences in the classroom,” said Dr. William Smith II, TIEC’s Senior Director of Global Education and Impact. “We are proud to support the wealth of creativity and cooperation among this year’s Texas International Education Fund winners.”

Conclusion

Prairie View A&M University’s receipt of the TIEF grant underscores its role as a leader in integrating Sustainable Development Goals into higher education. Through innovative virtual and study abroad programs, PVAMU is equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and global perspectives necessary to contribute to sustainable development and international understanding.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article focuses on enhancing educational opportunities through international collaboration and virtual exchanges.
   • It highlights fostering global experiences and cultural competency among students.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Dr. Gibson’s project involves criminal justice students comparing global justice systems, which relates to promoting justice and strong institutions.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The international collaboration between PVAMU and ICFAI Law School in India exemplifies global partnerships.
   • The Texas International Education Fund supports cooperative efforts to enhance education.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including global citizenship and cultural diversity.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • Target 17.8: Fully operationalize the technology bank and science, technology and innovation capacity-building mechanism.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Proportion of students participating in international virtual exchange programs (implied by the virtual exchange between PVAMU and ICFAI Law School).
   • Number of students gaining cross-cultural competencies and global citizenship skills (implied through program objectives).
   • Enrollment rates in international education programs and study abroad participation (implied by Dr. Williams’ study abroad trips).
2. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Number of educational programs promoting understanding of justice systems globally (implied by the criminal justice virtual exchange).
   • Student engagement in problem-solving and participatory learning related to justice and institutions.
3. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Number of international partnerships and collaborative projects funded (explicitly mentioned as TIEF grant supporting international collaboration).
   • Extent of technology use in virtual exchanges and international education (implied by virtual program execution).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: pvamu.edu