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100,000 Strong Initiative in the Americas
4 MINUTE READ
March 24, 2021

In March 2011, the “100,000 Strong in the Americas” initiative was launched to increase international study in Latin America and the Caribbean. The purpose of 100,000 Strong is to foster region-wide pros­perity through greater international exchange of students, who are our future leaders and innovators. Increasing understanding in the Western Hemisphere and building closer people-to-people ties will help the State Department work together with the people of the Western Hemisphere to address common chal­lenges including citizen security, economic opportunity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

Partnerships: The Department of State is working to im­plement 100,000 Strong in the Americas through partner­ships – with foreign governments, with universities and colleges, and with the private sector. EducationUSA, (educationusa.state.gov) a network of more than 100 U.S.-Government-supported advising centers throughout the Hemisphere, is a centerpiece of our partnership and outreach efforts.

Universities and Colleges: We are working with institu­tions in the United States and throughout the Hemisphere to encourage expanded exchanges and closer partner­ships between U.S. and Latin American and Caribbean universities and colleges.

Private Sector: The U.S. government, in partnership with governments in the region, strongly supports exchanges. We seek con­tributions from the private sector to support scholarships. Any such funding will go directly to the organization ad­ministering the program the donor wishes to support.

Foreign Governments: Most governments in the region provide scholarships to enable top students to study abroad. We seek opportunities to cooperate with other governments on student advising, assistance with placement, and co­ordination to ensure timely access to educational and visa services.

Diversity & Inclusion: We are promoting a more diverse profile of stu­dents who participate in educational exchanges and their destinations. The Department of State is reaching out to diverse institutions throughout the United States includ­ing Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, Native American Tribal colleges, and community colleges. We are working with Latin American and Caribbean governments, universities, and the private sector to provide international study opportunities for stu­dents from disadvantaged backgrounds or historically un­derserved populations.