CCBC Student, Technology and Engineering Pathway
Honors student Abdoullah is thriving as a computer science major and international student scholarship recipient at CCBC.
When Abdoullah arrived at CCBC in Fall 2022, he had already left his home in the Ivory Coast, seeking a fresh start in the U.S. to pursue his passion for computer science. But the journey wasn’t without its challenges.
“I knew for a fact that higher education in the USA costs a lot, especially when you are an international student,” said Abdoullah. “However, CCBC appeared to be the most affordable of the best schools to attend.”
Abdoullah’s path forward became even clearer when he received the CCBC Honors Presidential Scholarship for International Students, which covers all tuition and fees for the fall and spring semesters.
“My scholarship meant a lot to me because being an international student requires me to pay out-of-state tuition while remaining a full-time student, which is a lot—not to mention the work restrictions,” shared Abdoullah. “So, with that wonderful aid, I can focus on maintaining a good GPA and not worry about the cost of studies.”
Now, two years into his CCBC journey, Abdoullah is thriving. He maintains a strong GPA, is a member of the Honors College and enjoys the academic flexibility that allows him to balance his studies with student life. He credits his professors for making complex subjects accessible and engaging.
“Receiving my associate degree before transferring holds significant value,” Abdoullah said. “It provides a solid academic foundation and demonstrates a commitment to completing an educational milestone, which can make me a more competitive candidate when applying to four-year institutions.”
Beyond academics, Abdoullah has found a sense of belonging through memberships in the Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI) and the Muslim Student Association (MSA).
“The MSA has been a key part of my college experience,” he said. “It’s a community where I’ve grown both spiritually and personally.”
Abdoullah encourages others to take advantage of community college and the flexibility that it has to offer.
Explore. Don’t be afraid to try new things,” said Abdoullah. “Community college is the perfect place to find your passion, develop new skills and meet people who will help you along the way.
Abdoullah is one of CCBC’s 2024-2025 Fresh Faces student representatives.