Meet the EPIC fellows: Allison Tripp

The Education Partnership for Internationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) Community College Faculty Fellowship program brings together a cohort of community college faculty and academic staff from various disciplines to work collaboratively with Stanford staff for one academic year on self-designed projects aimed at internationalizing curricula.

Allison Tripp, an anthropology instructor at Chaffey College, is one of 11 fellows participating in this program. Her project seeks to integrate cross-cultural storytelling to increase global competency, equity, and engagement in the classroom.

Why did you decide to apply to the EPIC fellowship program?

I was looking for a way to continue to grow professionally and network with other like-minded educators. The program seemed transformational, and I want to be able to share what I learn with my campus community. Meeting my amazing cohort and mentors validated all of this for me.

Also, I had a baby 18 months ago. When I flew to Stanford for the summer workshop, it was the first time I had been away from her. She got sick the night before and the morning of my flight. I was excited for the program but also felt guilty for leaving. Ultimately though, I reminded myself of one more reason that I applied: I want to show her how powerful mothers can be. I want to motivate her to see the importance of community engagement.

Why do you believe it is important for community colleges to engage in the work of global education?

I believe it’s important for all educators to engage in global education. It helps our students to gain empathy and perspective. Community colleges serve the most diverse student populations, from high schoolers to returning non-traditional students. We have large populations of military students, parents, undocumented students, and low-income students. Engaging in global education helps us to better serve and meet the needs of our student populations and to grow as educators.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing and learning about over the next year as an EPIC fellow?

I’m looking forward to networking with my fellows and sharing my project with my campus community. I’ve already started to make new and meaningful connections in both areas and am excited to see how much I’ll grow over the course of the project. I’m planning to create video material that will be relevant for professors in a variety of fields. I think my project is really going to increase engagement in my courses. I’m grateful to be a part of this program and to have such a great support system.


The Education Partnership for Internationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) provides professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers and community college educators and is partially funded by U.S. Department of Education Title VI grants. Collaborators include the Stanford Global Studies Division, the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE), the Stanford Center for Spatial and Textual Analysis (CESTA), and the Stanford Graduate School of Education's Center to Support Excellence in Teaching (CSET).