The Second Russian Fellowship Program is Underway
NCSL's International Programs Department has once again paired up with the American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS (American Councils), to carry out the second Legislative Education and Practice Follow-on Program (LEAP), sponsored by the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This year, eight (8) Russian Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX) alumni were selected to participate in this exciting program, which provides them with a unique opportunity to build upon the solid foundation of American democratic values and ideals established during their exchange year in the U.S. The fellows are FLEX program alumni who have completed their university education and are currently employed. The program particularly targets young professionals who are pursuing careers in government or intend to do so. The project aims to expand the knowledge and interest of Russian youth in the democratic political process through State-level legislative fellowships in the U.S. The long-term goal is to enable the interns to share their knowledge with their peers in Russia through a follow-on program in which they will conduct conferences and outreach activities.
The internships in state legislatures will enable alumni participants to expand upon their U.S.-based experiences and provide them with opportunities to develop concrete leadership skills. Prior to embarking on their journeys in the state capitols, the fellows attended a pre-departure orientation session in Moscow, followed by an informative orientation session in Washington, D.C. and Annapolis, MD, which provided the fellows with an introduction to the U.S. political process. Afterwards, the participants commenced their fellowships at five (5) state legislatures: Alaska, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Virginia. The fellows will have an opportunity to attend the NCSL Spring Forum in April 2007, prior to their departure in mid-May.
During the program, the fellows are living in homestays and are monitored by American Councils and NCSL staff. in addition to their work at the legislatures, the participants are required to perform a set number of hours of community service and are given funds to attend a class at a university. Likewise, the fellows are encouraged to participate in workshops, group projects or other activities which will enhance their experience. Upon their return to Russia, interns will administer projects and conduct workshops in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy and U.S. government contractors working in the region.
Future Leaders Exchange Program (FLEX)
The FLEX Program is a U.S. government-sponsored program for secondary school students from the former Soviet Union. The program provides scholarship funding for students to travel to the United States, attend a U.S. high school for a full academic year, and live with a U.S. host family. FLEX was established in 1992 as the centerpiece of the Secondary School Initiative under the FREEDOM Support Act, introduced as legislation to the U.S. Congress by Senator Bill Bradley (D-NJ) and Congressman Jim Leach (R- IA). The program provides young people from the former Soviet states with a cross-cultural living experience in a democratic society. Since the program’s founding, more than 15,000 students have been awarded scholarships. Selection to the program is highly competitive, with over 500,000 students applying to the program during the past 13 years. For more information about the program, please visit the American Councils website at www.americancouncils.org.
American Councils is an international not-for-profit organization leading the development and exchange of knowledge between the U.S. and Eastern Europe/Eurasia. Its mission is to foster democratic development and civil societies by advancing education and research, cultivating leadership, and empowering individuals and institutions through learning.
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