Washington, D.C., May 31, 2023: The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) announces the arrival in Japan of the first group of JUSFC Summer Institute students. The 2023 Summer Institute is a two-week intensive study experience in Japan that includes visits to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Nara. This rich academic and cultural experience from May 24-June 9 includes meetings with academic and professional experts in the United States and Japan. It is designed to highlight the opportunities available for a future profession in the U.S.-Japan partnership.
The inaugural JUSFC Summer Institute cohort comprises:
Erik Arciniega, Amherst College
Montserrat Esquivel Calderon, Berea College
Yasmin Cardoso Cunha, Hofstra University
Allison Dobbins, University of North Carolina Greensboro
Leyra Espino-Nardi, Johns Hopkins University
Kristi-Madison Fortson, Jackson State University
Randy Garcia, City College of New York (CUNY)
Yesenia M. Gonzalez, University of Illinois
Tamia Harvey-Martin, University of Pennsylvania
Melanie Oden, Grinnell College
Lelani Pacific-Jack, Baruch College (CUNY)
Nadia Perdue, Washington University
Nia Phipps, Spelman College
Carmen Thomas, Howard University
Krystelle Thomas, York College (CUNY)
Aiyana Thompson, Spelman College
“We must attract the best next generation talent if the U.S.-Japan relationship is to continue to thrive. The JUSFC Summer Institute provides a unique opportunity for traditionally represented students to have access to U.S. and Japanese leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers. Equally important, we must provide the mentorship opportunities that will allow our students to sustain their interest in and contribution to our nation’s friendship with the people of Japan”, said JUSFC’s Chair Dr. Sheila A. Smith.
“We are delighted to launch the JUSFC Summer Institute. Through this program we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders who will guide the U.S.-Japan partnership through educational and first-hand cultural experiences,” added Paige Cottingham-Streater, JUSFC’s Executive Director.
About the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC)
The Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC) was established as an independent federal agency by the United States Congress in 1975 to bring visibility to the importance of the U.S.-Japan relationship and strengthen mutual understanding between Japan and the United States. As a grant-making agency, JUSFC supports research, education, public affairs and exchange with Japan. For more information, please visit www.jusfc.gov
About the JUSFC Summer Institute
The mission of the JUSFC, a United States federal agency, is to develop the next generation of leaders for the U.S.-Japan partnership. The JUSFC Summer Institute is an intensive two-week academic program in Japan designed to promote U.S.-Japan relations. U.S. undergraduate students who have an interest in Japan are particularly encouraged to apply.