July 27, 2022 - In partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Meridian International Center greatly expanded our portfolio by being chosen to implement the first-ever International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Impact Awards Initiative.
“For over 60 years, Meridian has been a principal partner of the U.S. Department of State in implementing the International Visitor Leadership Program,” shared Meridian CEO, Ambassador Stuart Holliday. “Through the IVLP, Meridian has equipped thousands of leaders, including heads of state and foreign dignitaries, with the professional networks, insights, and cultural context essential to navigate global issues and opportunities.”
Over 220 IVLP Impact Awardees have been selected across the globe, working on community impact projects ranging from combatting disinformation, cybersecurity, free press, sustainability, building democracies, STEM, and entrepreneurship.
The IVLP Impact Awards began in late 2021, announcing applications opened for recent IVLP alumni for a chance to administer community impact projects that build on their exchange experience and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. Along with a series of programs varied by theme and region, the Initiative aims to engage alumni, strengthen the IVLP network, and support lasting community impact. Project proposals could request up to USD 5,000 in funding with project completion by January 31, 2023.
"Through this Initiative, IVLP Impact Awardees from over 100 countries are leveraging and sharing knowledge and connections gained on their IVLP experience to expand healthcare, disarm disinformation, promote shared prosperity, advance climate solutions, and defend human rights. We're honored to support, amplify, and learn from these global leaders and their work to shape a more just and peaceful world," commented Sarah Gentry, Project Director of Collaborative Services at the Meridian Center for Global Leadership.
For questions about the Initiative, please contact Meridian Director of Communications Danielle Najjar at dnajjar@meridian.org.
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About IVLP
Launched in 1940, the IVLP helps strengthen U.S. engagement with countries around the world and cultivate lasting relationships by connecting current and emerging foreign leaders with their American counterparts through short-term visits to the United States. The majority of IVLP exchanges include visits to four U.S. communities over three weeks, although projects vary based on themes, Embassy requests and other factors. Participants meet with professional counterparts, visit U.S. public and private sector organizations related to the project theme and participate in cultural and social activities.
About Meridian
Meridian International Center is a nonpartisan, nonprofit diplomacy center that connects leaders through culture and collaboration to drive solutions for global challenges. Founded over 60 years ago, Meridian has equipped thousands of leaders with the networks, insights and cultural context essential for non-partisan work on shared issues. Meridian strengthens engagement between the United States and the world through diplomacy, global leadership and culture, because we believe we are stronger together when globally engaged.
