Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders

2023 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent is pleased to accept applications for the summer 2023 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders program sponsored by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Program Description

SUSI for Young Women Leaders is an intensive four-week academic program which aims to provide groups of undergraduate student leaders with a deeper understanding of the United States while simultaneously enhancing their leadership skills. The Institute consists of a four-week academic residency with a balanced series of seminar discussions, readings, group presentations, and lectures. Site visits, leadership development, cultural activities, and community service complement the coursework and academic sessions. If conditions allow, the Institutes will include a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

SUSI for Young Women Leaders enhances participants’ knowledge of U.S. democratic principles and society, culture, values, and institutions, while developing their leadership skills in areas such as critical thinking, communication, decision-making, and management. The Institute will incorporate a focus on American historical events as well as contemporary American life including current political, social, and economic debates in a pluralistic society.

The theme of the 2023 SUSI for Young Women Leaders program for Central Asian countries is Environmental Issues. Hosted by Green River College in Auburn, WA, the Institute will examine topics including, but not limited to, climate change, sustainable development, clean energy, conservation, environmental justice, ocean protection, pollution, ecotourism, water access, climate entrepreneurship, sustainable agricultural practices, public health, and the impact of climate change on underserved, youth, and minority populations and communities including women.

To honor the legacy of the late Secretary Madeleine K. Albright, who served as the first female U.S. Secretary of State from January 1997 to January 2001, the 2023 SUSI program will be adapted to enhance undergraduate young women leaders’ focus on democratic principles and reflect the leadership, values, and achievements of Secretary Albright. The summer program will include increased content related to women’s leadership in public service and U.S. democratic principles and values underlying the U.S. system of federal government. While on the exchange, participants may have the opportunity to engage with U.S. colleges and universities and other U.S. programs and participants that have been affiliated with Secretary Albright and will be encouraged to stay connected as an alumnae group in the future.

The program will take place beginning in June 2023. If health, safety, or travel conditions pose significant challenges, the program will switch to a modified virtual format. The virtual program would consist of at least 36 hours of required programming with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants are expected to be highly motivated first through third-year undergraduate students from colleges, universities, and other institutions of higher education, who demonstrate leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. Their fields of study will be varied and may include the sciences, social sciences, humanities, education, business, and other professional fields.

Applicants must:

be female;
demonstrate English language proficiency (speaking, reading, writing, listening);
demonstrate interest in the Institute topic (Environmental Issues);
be between 18 and 25 years of age;
have at least one semester left of their undergraduate studies, and be committed to returning to their home universities following completion of the program;
demonstrate strong leadership qualities and potential in their university and community activities;
indicate a serious interest in learning about the United States;
have a high level of academic achievement, as indicated by grades, awards, and teacher recommendations;
demonstrate commitment to community service and extracurricular university activities;
have little or no prior study or travel experience in the United States or elsewhere outside of their home country;
be mature, responsible, independent, confident, open-minded, tolerant, thoughtful, and inquisitive;
be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and
if the program is conducted in-person, be comfortable with campus life, prepared to share living accommodations, and able to adjust to cultural and social practices different from those of their home country.

Program Funding

The program will cover all participant costs, including international travel, travel allowances, domestic travel, ground transportation, book, cultural, mailing and incidental allowances, as well as housing and meals. If the program is conducted virtually, a technology stipend will be provided to participants.

Application Package

Application package must include the following:

Completed application form (DOC 152 KB)
Official transcript in English (Please enclose your university grades for the most recent semester. First-year students must submit grades from their final year at a high school, lyceum, or specialized college)
Scanned copy of passport ID page

How to Apply & Application Deadline

Application package must be submitted via e-mail to Tashkent-Program@state.gov no later than 18:00 (local time in Uzbekistan) on October 31, 2022, with “Application for SUSI for Young Women Leaders” in the subject line. All application documents must be sent in one email!

Incomplete applications will be disqualified and will not be reviewed by the SUSI Selection Panel.

Questions?

Any questions related to this program should be sent to Tashkent-Program@state.gov. The program name must be indicated in the subject line of an email.