Earlier this month, East Bay Co-Coordinator Ellison Weeks represented our chapter and the JET Program at the 2014 Conference on Diversity in International Affairs, held from April 4–5 in Washington, DC. This annual event, co-sponsored by the Global Access Pipeline (GAP) Consortium, the International Career Advancement Program (ICAP) and the Council on Foreign Relations, aims to to connect young professionals and students from underrepresented backgrounds with career opportunities in international affairs. Over 250 college students, U.S. government officials, and representatives from various higher education institutions and international affairs programs including Fulbright, Peace Corps, among others were in attendance.
During the two-day conference, Ellison met with university students and recent grads from diverse backgrounds to raise awareness about JET and promote the program as an excellent way to gain experience in grassroots diplomacy and launch a career in international affairs. In addition, leaders from several youth development and study abroad organizations received promotional materials and were encouraged to discuss the merits of JET Program participation with their constituents.
All in all, a great weekend raising the profile of one of the world’s oldest, most successful exchange teaching initiatives!