Today, the Stevens Initiative announced United Planet is one of 11 schools, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations to receive funding to run virtual exchange programs that connect young people in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa.
The Youth2Youth Impact Investing Program is implemented by United Planet and is supported by the J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative (JCSVEI). JCSVEI is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program administered by the Aspen Institute.
“We are honored to welcome 11 new grantees today. Together, we are embarking on a journey of discovery and continued growth in the virtual exchange field. This marks a major milestone towards our vision of a world where virtual exchange is part of every young person’s life,” said Christine Shiau, Executive Director of the Stevens Initiative. “Each grantee embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration necessary to help young people unlock their creativity, foster critical thinking skills, form friendships, and feel connected to the world. Their dedication to lifelong learning will help us create opportunities that transcend boundaries, inspiring a brighter, more interconnected future for all.”
Virtual exchange connects young people from around the world for learning and collaboration, immersing them in digital spaces to gain practical skills and build friendships along the way. It is a powerful tool to reimagine what global learning looks like, how it can be conducted, and how many people participate.
The Youth2Youth Impact Investing is a global initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and inclusive economic development through youth-led social entrepreneurship. It empowers young individuals to address economic challenges and drive positive change in their communities. Leveraging the principles of impact investing and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) #8 (Promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) and #9 (Building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation), the program equips participants with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in creating meaningful economic opportunities.
Oudou Sanogo, Director of Virtual Exchange & Educational Technology at United Planet, expresses his gratitude for the grant: “We are thrilled to be one of the 11 grantees and look forward to the creative power of young people in the U.S. and MENA to unlock possibilities in their communities. We can’t wait to guide them in becoming social entrepreneurs and broadening their intercultural perspectives.”
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
