Mansfield Center Seeks High School Juniors for Korea Exchange

MISSOULA – The Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana seeks four Missoula area high school juniors to serve as youth ambassadors for a cultural exchange with Korea, Los Angeles and New York. Applications close Nov. 7.

In the spirit of cultivating culturally sensitive leaders able to engage in a global economy, the Korea Society and the Pacific Century Institute invite Montana youth to join a cohort of youth ambassadors in the Project Bridge intercultural youth leadership program.

During the six-month program, students will cultivate their understanding of leadership skills and Korean society and culture through bi-monthly workshops. Pandemic allowing, the project culminates in a 10-day study tour in Korea in April 2022, followed by a community service project or presentation.

Originally created in response to the 1992 Los Angeles riots in which a disproportionate number of affected shopkeepers were of Korean origin, the goal of the program is to “bridge” gaps through cultural awareness and leadership training. The exchange aims to cultivate future community leaders, with an emphasis on cultural and racial sensitivity and an understanding of Korean society and history.

The program also bridges the urban and rural divide in the United States, bringing together high school students from Los Angeles, New York City and Montana.

“Project Bridge is the ideal experience for students looking to bolster their skills in cross-cultural communication, public speaking and relationship building,” said Mansfield Center Executive Director Deena Mansour. “We invite applications from students who feel prepared to represent Montana and their home communities in this global experience.”

The Mansfield Center is honored to continue in its partnership with Project Bridge for the second year as part of its mission to foster globally-minded leaders of integrity. International dialogue and the exchange of cultures are vital to the Mansfield Center’s mission to enhance mutual understanding between the United States, Asia and the world.

Students interested in more information should explore the Mansfield Center website at www.umt.edu/mansfield.

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Contact: Randi Edwards, program manager, UM Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center, 406-243-6608, randi.edwards@mso.umt.edu.