Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is sponsoring an Emerging Leaders: Japan Exchange Program "KAKEHASHI Project" from Tuesday, March 14th through Friday, March 24th 2017.

Through this initiative, the CBCF in partnership with the government of Japan, the Embassy of Japan and the Japanese International Cultural Center (JICE) aim to increase African-American interest and exposure to the culture of Japan, expanding opportunities for African-Americans in an era of increasing globalization.

15 participants will be selected and will visit in and around Tokyo, Japan over the course of eight days. Program participants will visit cultural and historical landmarks, attend lectures on U.S.-Japanese relations, visit high tech and traditional industries and have an overnight visit with a Japanese family. Prior to departure, participants will take part in orientation activities in Washington, DC followed by a debrief session upon their return.

This program is specifically for African-American students majoring in business disciplines or political science/international affairs/relations among other majors. It is open to students studying or living within a CBC's member's district.  Cleveland is within the district of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge who is a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The program is open to current undergraduate juniors, seniors, graduate participants and recent college graduates (degree in May 2014 or later). Participants should hold a U.S. Passport and be available for the entire duration of the program. 

The application deadline is Monday, January 23, 2017. 

Program dates are Tuesday, March 14th through Friday, March 24th 2017.

For more information including how to apply, covered and non-covered program costs, and the application questions, please visit the CBCF website here.

If you are a student and have questions about the program or the application process, please contact Julie Good Manager of Education Abroad Programs at Cleveland State at  j.a.good88@csuohio.edu or 216-687-3910 or Deidre Ellis of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation at dellis@cbcfinc.org or 202-263-5712.