Reports

Members of the Liaison Advisory Board and Academic Seminars Advisory Group visit TWC for meetings each year. U.S.-Panama Innovation and Competitiveness Internship Program TWC welcomed 14 students from Panama for this immersive professional development program. The program was created to serve students interested in pursuing careers in education, urban planning, renewable energy, biodiversity, climate change, agro-industry or food safety and who have the desire to increase Panama's competitiveness in these key areas. This program was fully funded by the Panamanian National Secretariat of Science, Technology and Innovation. Veterans Employment Trajectory (VET) Initiative In its second year, TWC welcomed 24 student veterans ready to turn military training into civilian success. The VET Initiative helps these students translate their extensive, unique skills—acquired through service to their country—into college and career performance. The program was funded primarily by the Prudential Foundation, with additional support from Centene Charitable Foundation, C. Steven Duncker Foundation, Healey Family Foundation, Edith Hunt, Mule Family Foundation, Navy Federal Credit Union, Michael & Paula Rantz Foundation, Rumsfeld Foundation, The Safeway Foundation, Veterans United Foundation and Wells Fargo. Seminars Building the TOMODACHI Generation Morgan Stanley Ambassadors Program In partnership with the U.S.-Japan Research Institute (USJI), TWC paired 12 students from Japan with 10 U.S. students to help the Tohoku region of Japan overcome critical challenges stemming from the earthquake of 2011. This program was funded by Morgan Stanley through the U.S.-Japan Council's TOMODACHI Initiative. The Construction of the New Parliamentary Paradigm in Mexico The National Organization of Women from PRI Political Party in Mexico partnered with TWC to host 28 legislators for an intensive three- day seminar centered on practical tools and techniques for improving legislative functions in Mexico. The Honors Capstone- Washington, D.C. Experience Lone Star Honors College partnered with TWC to expose 19 of its students to a wide range of perspectives on professional development, career interests, and global and international components through a participant observation and integrative learning module. Inside Washington 2018 Academic Seminar TWC hosted 108 students from 17 colleges and universities for an intensive two-week focus on national politics. Participants and faculty leaders heard directly from seasoned professionals in media, politics and advocacy on the inner-workings of American politics. National Security 2018 Academic Seminar Sixty students representing 16 U.S. colleges and universities arrived in May for an intensive look into national security matters by experts who tackle these sensitive issues every day. Pilar Barbosa Education Program TWC welcomed 14 K-12 public school teachers from Puerto Rico for this program designed to provide professional development training opportunities. Participants took part in workshops, tours, lectures and group assignments focusing on U.S. education trends and policies in the context of Puerto Rico. This program was funded by the Puerto Rican Department of Education. Young Women's Empowerment and Global Leadership in Politics In collaboration with the National Organization of Women from PRI Political Party in Mexico, TWC executed a two-day leadership seminar for 213 young women from over 20 different states in Mexico. The seminar included several workshops designed to encourage critical thinking, inclusive dialogue and empowerment for aspiring female leaders. Participants also engaged with experts and thought leaders in an exchange of best practices and opportunities for the advancement of the gender agenda in Mexico. Fellowships Foreign Affairs Information Technology Fellowship Five fellows were selected with the goal of diversifying the ranks of information management specialists serving in the U.S. Foreign Service by pulling from traditionally underrepresented minority groups. This program was funded through a partnership with the State Department. Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Twenty-nine fellows of the 2017 cohort came to Washington, D.C. to participate in the first of their two internships with the U.S. State Department over the next two years. This fellowship is highly selective and designed to prepare students academically and professionally for a career with the State Department and aims to increase the number of people from historically underrepresented backgrounds employed in the Foreign Service. The fellowship is funded through a partnership with the State Department. Events Employer-Higher Education Roundtable The inaugural, invitation-only event bringing together higher education and employer experts convened at the National Press Club. TWC hosted the event to cultivate a more constructive relationship between higher education and employers. Attendees aimed to collectively identify and address the challenges, opportunities and solutions that exist between students and success in the workforce. The roundtable occurred as part of the TWC Liaison Advisory Board and Academic Seminars Advisory Group meetings during the Annual Scholarship Dinner weekend. 22 2018 Annual Report Participants in the VET Initiative take part in a reception at TWC Headquarters.

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