Fundraising Campaign

In the new millennium, there is a growing professional need for individuals who possess the skills necessary for successful communication and interaction in a globally oriented society. In addition to technical acumen, some critical skills are needed to attain this success. These include proficiency in a foreign language, the ability to work in an intercultural environment, knowledge of differing business practices, as well as the ability to successfully face challenges and solve problems.

The interest and desire of young Americans to gain international experience is great. Unfortunately, many students and young professionals lack the funds necessary to undertake such a program, preferring instead to take a job in the United States to cover their college loans and other various daily expenses. Another obstacle for many Americans is their inability to speak a foreign language fluently enough to work in a foreign country.

Though exchange programs are considered a core component of the U.S. Department of State's public diplomacy effort, public funding for exchange remains extremely low relative to other industrialized nations. Moreover, the majority of this limited funding goes to study abroad programs. While interest in international internsbips has increased, many young Americans are saddled with student loans and need to earn enough money during the summer to support their educational expenses.

The CDS Scholarship Fund was created in 1998 to provide support for American students and young adults participating in our practical training programs abroad. The CDS Scholarship Fund provides modest stipends during an unpaid internship abroad and/or pays for an intensive one-month language course.

Thanks for the support of many CDS Board Members, friends, and alumni our Scholarship Fund has grown to over $800,000 since 1998.

Every year, CDS awards scholarships to approximately a dozen young Americans from the endowment's investment income, totalling 3-5% of the Scholarship Fund. In addition, we are able to provide five stipends per year for one-month language courses.

These internationally skilled professionals will play a critical role in the future development of the American economy and will enable companies in the U.S. to successfully cooperate with other firms around the world. Moreover, young professionals with international experience serve as multipliers, sharing their skills with others and further advancing their acquired knowledge. Exchange initiatives are a multilateral investment in the future which will contribute to a more prosperous and safer world. By investing a small amount today, you or your company can help considerably strengthen the future of a notable number of emerging American young professionals! To learn more about how you can help contribute to this important effort, click on the options to the left. Your support is greatly appreciated!