International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

?? Celebrating International Education Week! ?? This week, we highlight the transformative power of international exchange and the inspiring stories of #ExchangeAlumni who have broadened their horizons through global experiences. At Global Ties Sacramento, we see firsthand how exchange programs spark meaningful change. Last fall, we welcomed nine higher education professionals from Africa through the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Their program, Developing University Partnerships: Connecting African Universities with HBCUs, explored administration best practices at U.S. Higher Education Institutions. One alumnus, Yohanan Yokamo, was awarded the 2024 IVLP Impact Award for his project, the Strengthening Democracy and Promotion of Good Governance Bootcamp for Young Leaders in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. Supported by Meridian International Center in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State, this initiative provides grants of up to $5,000 for alumni-led projects addressing global challenges, strengthening networks, and driving lasting change. Yohanan’s IVLP experience inspired the creation of his impactful initiative. The project provides a platform for young leaders in Hawassa City to learn about basic democracy and good governance practices through capacity-building training. As the Director for International Relations and Alumni Affairs at Hawassa University and a PhD candidate in Public Policy Studies, Yohanan’s project empowers young leaders in his community. Through a series of five workshops, participants explore democracy, rule of law, peaceful power transfers, civic participation, and human rights. Reflecting on his exchange experience, Yohanan shares: “On my IVLP trip, I met with University of California Davis School of Law and Howard University Political Science Department and was inspired by the democratic institutions and governance... I had an opportunity to have conversations with law and political science researchers, administrators, and faculty members from different colleges.” As we celebrate #IEW2024, let’s recognize how international education shapes tomorrow’s global citizens. #ExchangeMatters #CitizenDiplomacy #InternationalExchange #IVLPImpact IVLP Impact Award Profile: https://lnkd.in/g_C6YAnt

From India ???? to Indiana ????! Recently, law enforcement representatives from India visited Indianapolis, a city that is home to a vibrant and growing tech industry sector, to examine U.S. best practices in leveraging technology to prevent, disrupt, and reduce human trafficking.? ? Thank you to all who met with and supported this professional exchange program! By working together and sharing knowledge and expertise, we can enhance our efforts to end human trafficking. #IVLP | The International Center (Indianapolis) | World Learning

Enhance your professional skills and expand your world! ?? Meet current and emerging leaders from all over the globe in your community through International Visitor Leadership Program (#IVLP), the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program. If you live in the United States, visit www.globaltiesus.org to learn more. Global Ties U.S.

“During my participation in the IVLP program, I had the opportunity to visit various organizations and enterprises such as the Nebraska Innovation Campus, Common Good Farm, and the ECHO Collective, which significantly influenced my understanding of innovation, sustainable development, and intercultural exchange. These experiences inspired the creation of the NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative project.” - Bayan Toikebayeva, a business professional and IVLP Impact Awardee from Kazakhstan.? ? Through her IVLP Impact Award project, Bayan is equipping young Kazakhstani women with skills, knowledge, and networks for success in technology fields through workshops, podcasts, and networking events.?? ? Check out Bayan’s project, NextGen Women Leaders: Entrepreneurial Empowerment Initiative, and?other IVLP Impact Award projects here:?https://lnkd.in/dTAdNmE7. #IVLP | #ExchangeAlumni - Alumni Affairs - State Dept. | Meridian International Center | World Learning | Global Ties Nebraska | Global Ties Detroit | World Affairs Council of Las Vegas

Entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan recently met with the New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion to learn about state-wide initiatives to expand broadband access in New Mexico. Together, they discussed the impact of internet connectivity on entrepreneurship and small business development,?particularly in rural communities.? ? This meeting was part of an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) examining national, state, and local efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the United States. Read more about this visit here:?https://lnkd.in/eGAmxk4U Global Ties ABQ | World Learning | Global Ties Detroit | World Trade Center Institute | Tulsa Global Alliance | Gulf Coast Diplomacy

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to exchange insights with our international guests and learn about the advancements and challenges in their countries related to computer science and educational technology,” said Jared Amalong, Sacramento County Office of Education's Director of Computer Science and Digital Learning.? ? Recently, educators and education experts from all over the world participated in an International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) to explore technological innovations in education across the United States. During this program, they engaged with their American counterparts on best practices for integrating new technologies in classrooms and ways technology can create educational opportunities for disadvantaged, non-traditional, and rural students. ? Read more about their meeting with the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE):?https://lnkd.in/eybhV4FH Global Ties Sacramento | Meridian International Center | Iowa International Center | Global Ties Nebraska | Global Ties Arkansas | WorldOrlando | #IVLP

Did you know that Kalamazoo, Michigan is helping build a global network of STEM leaders in the Quad? ???? ???? ???? ???? Recently, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and STEM experts in Kalamazoo, Michigan met with IVLP participants from Quad countries to discuss local approaches to empower women in STEM innovation ecosystems, including innovative public-private partnerships and corporate mentorship models. During these meetings, they also explored potential global collaborations to promote STEM education and strengthen capacity in critical and emerging technology (CET) fields in the Quad. This IVLP exchange is expanding skillsets, building meaningful people-to-people ties, and enhancing cooperation to deliver positive impacts for the Indo-Pacific region. Thank you to all who met with this group and made this program possible! Photo credit: Global Ties Kalamazoo #IVLP | #ScienceDiplomacy | Global Ties Kalamazoo | Meridian International Center | The International Center (Indianapolis) | World Affairs Council of Las Vegas | Global Ties San Francisco | Global Ties Sacramento | U.S. Embassy in Australia

How can we encourage more young people to pursue Science, Tech, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) fields? ?? Join us tomorrow, November 20, 2024 at 9:30 am EDT to hear about innovative international efforts to promote STEAM education among youth. Register in advance: https://lnkd.in/eQuH5KGQ #ExchangeAlumni - Alumni Affairs - State Dept. | Meridian International Center | #IVLP | US Embassy Bucharest, Romania | Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs | #ScienceDiplomacy | World Learning | Institute of International Education | Utah Global Diplomacy | WorldChicago | International Citizen Diplomacy of Los Angeles (ICDLA) | WorldOrlando | Gulf Coast Diplomacy | WorldBoston | International Focus | World Partnerships, Inc. | Global Ties Alabama | Cleveland Council on World Affairs | Global Ties Akron

This week, please welcome 73 International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants from 12 countries whose programs will focus on: ?? critical minerals cooperation ??? the sustainable tourism industry ?? strengthening cybersecurity ?? higher education partnerships &?more! #IVLP | Global Ties U.S.

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of hosting incredible International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) visitors from Japan, Australia, and India—women leaders in STEM dedicated to making STEM education more accessible for girls in their countries. ??? The day began at West Career and Technology Academy, where students proudly introduced their engineering program and demonstrated their innovative robotics projects. Seeing the next generation of STEM leaders in action was inspiring! ???? Later, the group visited Senator Jacky Rosen's office to learn about her impactful work in the STEM field, including the STEM-related acts she has championed and her ongoing efforts to support education and innovation in our community. It was a day of collaboration, inspiration, and a shared commitment to empowering women and girls worldwide. ???? #IVLP #WomenInSTEM #GlobalConnections #CitizenDiplomacy #WACLV