Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' Strategic Objectives, 28852-28853 [E8-11029]

Download as PDF 28852 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 97 / Monday, May 19, 2008 / Notices SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Federal Register Meeting Notice; Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs Dated: May 13, 2008. Cherylyn Lebon, SBA Committee Management Officer. [FR Doc. E8–11109 Filed 5–16–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 8025–01–P U.S. Small Business Administration. ACTION: Notice of open Federal Advisory Committee Meeting. pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The SBA is issuing this notice to announce the location, date, time, and agenda for the next meeting of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. The meeting will be open to the public. DATES: The meeting will be held on June 24–25, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, each day. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, SW., Eisenhower Conference Room, 2nd floor, Washington, DC 20416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C., Appendix 2), SBA announces the meeting of the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs. The Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs serves as an independent source of advice and policy recommendation on issues of interest to veteran-owned small businesses to the President, Congress, SBA Administrator, and other policy makers. The purpose of the meeting is scheduled as a full committee meeting. The agenda will include: (1) Status of the current committee; (2) Orientation for new members; (3) Discussion of the permanency of SBA’s Advisory Committee; (4) A review of SBA’s Programs and Services; and (5) Implementation steps of Public Law 110–186. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The meeting is open to the public; however, advance notice of attendance is requested. Anyone wishing to attend and/or make a presentation to the Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs must contact Cheryl Clark, Program Liaison, by June 19, 2008, by fax or e-mail in order to be placed on the agenda. Cheryl Clark, Program Liaison, U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Veterans Business Development, 409 3rd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20416, Telephone number: (202) 205–6773, Fax number: 202–481–6085, e-mail address: cheryl.clark@sba.gov. Additionally, if you need accommodations because of a disability or require additional information, please contact Cheryl Clark. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:18 May 16, 2008 Jkt 214001 DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 6229] Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Strategic Objectives The Department will accept comments from the public up to July 18, 2008. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by any of the following methods: • Persons with access to the Internet may view this notice and provide comments by going to the regulations.gov Web site at: https:// www.regulations.gov/index.cfm. • Mail (paper, disk, or CD–ROM submissions): U.S. Department of State, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Cultural Affairs, SA–44, 301 4th Street, SW., Room 800, Washington, DC 20547. • E-mail: ExchangesDirect@state.gov. You must include the Title in the subject line of your message. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), under the authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (Fulbright/Hays) and in furtherance of the official mission of the U.S. Department of State, fosters mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through international educational, professional and cultural programs. The Bureau does so by promoting personal, professional, and institutional ties between private citizens and organizations in the United States and abroad, as well as by presenting U.S. society and culture in all of its diversity to overseas audiences. The strategic objective of the Bureau is to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and other countries of the world by establishing and furthering common interests and common values between Americans and people of different countries, cultures and faiths. To this end, the Bureau designs and implements programs that build personal and institutional relationships and that engage educational institutions and the private sector as partners on key public diplomacy initiatives. An overview of significant current and emerging initiatives is set forth below and is offered to fully inform the public DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and interested members of the philanthropic, corporate and NGO communities of our strategic objectives and priorities. We would like to encourage individuals, organizations and companies to consider ways in which they might provide support so that we can better achieve our goals and objectives. We would welcome initiation of independent programs supportive of our objectives, and partnerships in appropriate cases. English Language and Youth Leadership: Our Academic programs place special attention on youth-focused English language initiatives. Demand for English language instruction is increasing around the world and matches young people’s keen interest in expanding their horizons. Acquisition of English language ability not only makes young men and women more competitive in life, but guarantees them the ability to access materials on America and American values. Professional and Citizen Exchange programs, including cultural and sports programs, reach out directly to youth audiences as well as those individuals and institutions that work with young people. We also increase cultural awareness and mutual understanding among successor generations by expanding youth exchanges to communities traditionally underserved by exchanges by conducting programs to help youth around the world learn about the values of a civil society, independent thinking, and citizen engagement. Our models for exchanges include: Youth Exchange and Study (YES), Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), summer institutes, CongressBundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), and the Global Connections school connectivity projects. Partnerships for Latin American Youth: These initiatives bring students from underserved communities in the Western Hemisphere to U.S. community colleges; expand the English Access Microscholarship Program to Western Hemisphere countries; provide study opportunities for indigenous and disadvantaged undergraduate student leaders, including women, and for English-speaking youth from diverse communities who have emerged as leaders to learn about U.S. society, culture and values. Promoting Foreign Languages— National Security Language Initiative (NSLI): The NSLI is designed to dramatically increase the number of Americans learning critical need foreign languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and Farsi through new and expanded programs from kindergarten through university and E:\FR\FM\19MYN1.SGM 19MYN1 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 97 / Monday, May 19, 2008 / Notices into the workforce. An essential component of U.S. national security in the post-9/11 world is the ability to engage foreign governments and peoples, especially in critical regions, to promote understanding, convey respect for other cultures and provide an opportunity to learn more about our country and its citizens. To do this, we must be able to communicate in other languages. Performance & Alumni: Evaluation and performance measurement are essential to productive exchanges. As we involve younger, more diverse and less traditional audiences, we must assess the impact of our programs on attitudes and behavior. The Bureau’s alumni programs seek to build on the exchange experience by engaging with the participants in our programs after they have returned home. The Bureau directly funds programs that annually facilitate more than 30,000 U.S. and foreign exchange participants in over 170 countries. Of equal importance are the alumni engagement efforts of the Bureau’s designated private sector exchange programs. These private sector entities have now programmed more than 10 million exchange participants heavily concentrated in the fields of science and research, or who were foreign university students at the time of their exchange. Programs for possible public-private collaboration include the following: English Access Micro Scholarship Program and English Learning Online: The English Access Micro Scholarship Program, conducted pursuant to Fulbright-Hays Act authorities to conduct educational information and resources programs, teaches English to high school students from disadvantaged sectors. Thus far, ‘‘Access’’ has reached 32,000 students in 50 countries, including many with significant Muslim populations. Students’ improved English has led to better job and educational opportunities and the ability to compete for exchange opportunities in the U.S. ‘‘Access’’ is the first step in ECA’s continuum of educational opportunities to reach disadvantaged young people around the world. A possible companion program to the English Access Microscholarship Program is English Learning Online. This program, still in development, would provide quality English language lessons online for foreign students overseas while also providing an introduction to leadership, civic training, and community building. Private sector partnering opportunities could include both in-kind contributions of production services for VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:18 May 16, 2008 Jkt 214001 video, animation, DVDs, textbooks, and other instructional aids, as well as funding. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: Educational exchange activities are at the core of our public diplomacy efforts, and large multi-national corporations are likely donors to, and partners for, our various initiatives. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports study abroad by a diverse group of U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means, many venturing to ‘‘non-traditional’’ destinations outside Western Europe. Community College Summit Initiative: The Community College Initiative Program brings young people from nonelite and under-represented sectors from six countries to the U.S. to study at community colleges while also learning about leadership, democracy, civic participation and other aspects of U.S. culture. This is the perfect opportunity to support local community colleges while building an appropriate workforce around the world. International Fulbright Science and Technology (S&T) Award: The International Fulbright S&T Award is a globally-competed initiative designed to attract outstanding foreign students to the U.S. for Ph.D. study in science and technology. Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad: Rhythm Road sends American urban music and jazz groups on tour throughout the world. ECA expects to launch a similar program for dance troupes. We anticipate that large corporations and foundations that include culture in their sphere of charitable giving may be interested in partnering to further these activities. Global Connections and Exchange Program: The Global Connections and Exchange Program provides secondary school teachers in select countries overseas with specialized training in computer applications, Web development and the use of the Internet to enhance their daily lessons. The program empowers youth to use technology to tackle universal issues, such as gender equity, the environment, HIV/AIDS, diversity and human rights. The Bureau welcomes the views of the philanthropic, corporate and NGO communities on these initiatives and the potential for strategic partnership in achieving them. This certification will be published in the Federal Register. Goli Ameri, Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State. [FR Doc. E8–11029 Filed 5–16–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–05–P PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 28853 DEPARTMENT OF STATE [Public Notice 6211] Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) Meeting Notice; Closed Meeting The Department of State announces a meeting of the U.S. State Department— Overseas Security Advisory Council on June 19, 2008 at the George Bush Center for Intelligence, McLean, Virginia. Pursuant to Section 10(d) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(4) and 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(7)(E), it has been determined that the meeting will be closed to the public. The meeting will focus on an examination of corporate security policies and procedures and will involve extensive discussion of proprietary commercial information that is considered privileged and confidential, and will discuss law enforcement investigative techniques and procedures. The agenda will include updated committee reports, a global threat overview, and other matters relating to private sector security policies and protective programs and the protection of U.S. business information overseas. For more information, contact Marsha Thurman, Overseas Security Advisory Council, Department of State, Washington, DC 20522–2008, phone: 571–345–2214. May 5, 2008. Gregory B. Starr, Director of the Diplomatic Security Service, Department of State. [FR Doc. E8–11136 Filed 5–16–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4710–43–P TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SES Performance Review Board U.S. Trade and Development Agency. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given of the appointment of members of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency’s Performance Review Board. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Hum, Administrative Officer, U.S. Trade and Development Agency, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1600, Arlington, VA 22209, (703) 875–4357. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4314(c)(1) through (5), U.S.C., requires that each agency establish, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management, one or more SES Performance Review Boards. The Board shall review and E:\FR\FM\19MYN1.SGM 19MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 97 (Monday, May 19, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 28852-28853]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-11029]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 6229]


Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' Strategic Objectives

DATES: The Department will accept comments from the public up to July 
18, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by any of the following 
methods:
     Persons with access to the Internet may view this notice 
and provide comments by going to the regulations.gov Web site at: 
https://www.regulations.gov/index.cfm.
     Mail (paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions): U.S. Department 
of State, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Education and Cultural 
Affairs, SA-44, 301 4th Street, SW., Room 800, Washington, DC 20547.
     E-mail: ExchangesDirect@state.gov. You must include the 
Title in the subject line of your message.

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), under 
the authority of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 
1961, as amended (Fulbright/Hays) and in furtherance of the official 
mission of the U.S. Department of State, fosters mutual understanding 
between the United States and other countries through international 
educational, professional and cultural programs. The Bureau does so by 
promoting personal, professional, and institutional ties between 
private citizens and organizations in the United States and abroad, as 
well as by presenting U.S. society and culture in all of its diversity 
to overseas audiences.
    The strategic objective of the Bureau is to assist in the 
development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between 
the United States and other countries of the world by establishing and 
furthering common interests and common values between Americans and 
people of different countries, cultures and faiths. To this end, the 
Bureau designs and implements programs that build personal and 
institutional relationships and that engage educational institutions 
and the private sector as partners on key public diplomacy initiatives. 
An overview of significant current and emerging initiatives is set 
forth below and is offered to fully inform the public and interested 
members of the philanthropic, corporate and NGO communities of our 
strategic objectives and priorities. We would like to encourage 
individuals, organizations and companies to consider ways in which they 
might provide support so that we can better achieve our goals and 
objectives. We would welcome initiation of independent programs 
supportive of our objectives, and partnerships in appropriate cases.
    English Language and Youth Leadership: Our Academic programs place 
special attention on youth-focused English language initiatives. Demand 
for English language instruction is increasing around the world and 
matches young people's keen interest in expanding their horizons. 
Acquisition of English language ability not only makes young men and 
women more competitive in life, but guarantees them the ability to 
access materials on America and American values. Professional and 
Citizen Exchange programs, including cultural and sports programs, 
reach out directly to youth audiences as well as those individuals and 
institutions that work with young people.
    We also increase cultural awareness and mutual understanding among 
successor generations by expanding youth exchanges to communities 
traditionally underserved by exchanges by conducting programs to help 
youth around the world learn about the values of a civil society, 
independent thinking, and citizen engagement. Our models for exchanges 
include: Youth Exchange and Study (YES), Future Leaders Exchange 
(FLEX), summer institutes, Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX), 
and the Global Connections school connectivity projects.
    Partnerships for Latin American Youth: These initiatives bring 
students from underserved communities in the Western Hemisphere to U.S. 
community colleges; expand the English Access Microscholarship Program 
to Western Hemisphere countries; provide study opportunities for 
indigenous and disadvantaged undergraduate student leaders, including 
women, and for English-speaking youth from diverse communities who have 
emerged as leaders to learn about U.S. society, culture and values.
    Promoting Foreign Languages--National Security Language Initiative 
(NSLI): The NSLI is designed to dramatically increase the number of 
Americans learning critical need foreign languages such as Arabic, 
Chinese, Russian, Hindi, and Farsi through new and expanded programs 
from kindergarten through university and

[[Page 28853]]

into the workforce. An essential component of U.S. national security in 
the post-9/11 world is the ability to engage foreign governments and 
peoples, especially in critical regions, to promote understanding, 
convey respect for other cultures and provide an opportunity to learn 
more about our country and its citizens. To do this, we must be able to 
communicate in other languages.
    Performance & Alumni: Evaluation and performance measurement are 
essential to productive exchanges. As we involve younger, more diverse 
and less traditional audiences, we must assess the impact of our 
programs on attitudes and behavior. The Bureau's alumni programs seek 
to build on the exchange experience by engaging with the participants 
in our programs after they have returned home.
    The Bureau directly funds programs that annually facilitate more 
than 30,000 U.S. and foreign exchange participants in over 170 
countries. Of equal importance are the alumni engagement efforts of the 
Bureau's designated private sector exchange programs. These private 
sector entities have now programmed more than 10 million exchange 
participants heavily concentrated in the fields of science and 
research, or who were foreign university students at the time of their 
exchange.
    Programs for possible public-private collaboration include the 
following:
    English Access Micro Scholarship Program and English Learning 
Online: The English Access Micro Scholarship Program, conducted 
pursuant to Fulbright-Hays Act authorities to conduct educational 
information and resources programs, teaches English to high school 
students from disadvantaged sectors. Thus far, ``Access'' has reached 
32,000 students in 50 countries, including many with significant Muslim 
populations. Students' improved English has led to better job and 
educational opportunities and the ability to compete for exchange 
opportunities in the U.S. ``Access'' is the first step in ECA's 
continuum of educational opportunities to reach disadvantaged young 
people around the world.
    A possible companion program to the English Access Microscholarship 
Program is English Learning Online. This program, still in development, 
would provide quality English language lessons online for foreign 
students overseas while also providing an introduction to leadership, 
civic training, and community building. Private sector partnering 
opportunities could include both in-kind contributions of production 
services for video, animation, DVDs, textbooks, and other instructional 
aids, as well as funding.
    The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: 
Educational exchange activities are at the core of our public diplomacy 
efforts, and large multi-national corporations are likely donors to, 
and partners for, our various initiatives. The Benjamin A. Gilman 
International Scholarship Program supports study abroad by a diverse 
group of U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial means, many 
venturing to ``non-traditional'' destinations outside Western Europe.
    Community College Summit Initiative: The Community College 
Initiative Program brings young people from non-elite and under-
represented sectors from six countries to the U.S. to study at 
community colleges while also learning about leadership, democracy, 
civic participation and other aspects of U.S. culture. This is the 
perfect opportunity to support local community colleges while building 
an appropriate workforce around the world.
    International Fulbright Science and Technology (S&T) Award: The 
International Fulbright S&T Award is a globally-competed initiative 
designed to attract outstanding foreign students to the U.S. for Ph.D. 
study in science and technology.
    Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad: Rhythm Road sends American 
urban music and jazz groups on tour throughout the world. ECA expects 
to launch a similar program for dance troupes. We anticipate that large 
corporations and foundations that include culture in their sphere of 
charitable giving may be interested in partnering to further these 
activities.
    Global Connections and Exchange Program: The Global Connections and 
Exchange Program provides secondary school teachers in select countries 
overseas with specialized training in computer applications, Web 
development and the use of the Internet to enhance their daily lessons. 
The program empowers youth to use technology to tackle universal 
issues, such as gender equity, the environment, HIV/AIDS, diversity and 
human rights.
    The Bureau welcomes the views of the philanthropic, corporate and 
NGO communities on these initiatives and the potential for strategic 
partnership in achieving them. This certification will be published in 
the Federal Register.

Goli Ameri,
Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. E8-11029 Filed 5-16-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-05-P
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