2024 Study of the U.S. Institutes Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders

Program

The U.S. Embassy in Tashkent is pleased to accept applications for the summer 2024 Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) Madeleine K. Albright Young Women Leaders Program (Albright Young Women Leaders Program) sponsored by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Program Description

The SUSI Albright Young Women Leaders Program is an intensive five-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 Institute will include a one-week integrated study tour in the United States.

To honor the legacy of the late Secretary Madeleine K. Albright, who served as the first female U.S. Secretary of State, the 2024 program will focus on the democratic principles, values, and achievements of Secretary Albright. The Institute will include content related to women’s leadership in public service and U.S. democratic principles and values underlying the United States system of federal government. While on the exchange, participants will have the opportunity to engage with a range of U.S. colleges and universities and other U.S. programs and entities that are affiliated with Secretary Albright, and will be encouraged to stay connected as an alumnae group in the future.

The Albright Young Women Leaders Program 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 2024 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.

Program Dates

The program will tentatively take place from June 21 to July 26, 2024. Any changes will be shared at the time of selection. If health, safety, and travel conditions pose significant challenges, the program will switch to a modified virtual format.

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 to respectfully engage with fellow participants representing different backgrounds and different points of view;
• be willing and able to fully participate in an intensive academic program, community service, and educational travel; and
• 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, 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 (click to download, 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)
• One letter of recommendation from a university professor/faculty member addressing the applicant’s leadership potential and character traits and explaining why the applicant is a strong candidate for the program. The recommender should include his or her email address and phone number.
• Scanned copy of passport’s photo page

How to Apply & Application Deadline

The application package must be submitted via e-mail to Tashkent-Program@state.gov no later than 18:00 (local time in Uzbekistan) on December 5, 2023, with “Application for SUSI 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 Selection Panel.

Questions?

Any questions related to this program should be sent to Tashkent-Program@state.gov. Please indicate “SUSI Women Question” in the subject line of your email.