Since 1946, the Fulbright Program, founded by Senator J. William Fulbright, has stood as a beacon of educational and cultural exchange, fostering international understanding and academic collaboration across 165 nations. As America’s flagship program for promoting global mutual understanding, the Fulbright Program empowers people to tackle pressing global challenges and create cultural exchanges that celebrate diversity and heritage. Fulbright scholars are at the forefront of shaping a more interconnected world.
Advocacy for the Fulbright Program plays a pivotal role in sustaining its impact and ensuring its continued success. Funded primarily through Congressional appropriations by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), advocacy efforts are instrumental in demonstrating the program’s value and securing essential funding to expand its initiatives.
In Spring 2024, nearly 200 passionate alumni expressed their interest and commitment to advocating for the Fulbright Program. Organized by both the Association’s national office and local chapters, advocates engaged in productive meetings with 36 Senate offices and 24 House offices. These meetings focused on highlighting the significant benefits of the Fulbright Program and advocating for increased funding.
Currently funded at $287.5 million for FY24, the Fulbright Program has faced challenges, experiencing a 28.5% decrease in funding since 2010, despite a $12.5 million increase in FY23. This underfunding has constrained the program’s ability to maximize its impact, making ongoing advocacy efforts crucial. Looking ahead to FY25, the Fulbright Association is advocating for an appropriation of $317.5 million ($30m over $287.5m for FY 2024).
The Fulbright Program continues to be leveraged with an additional average total of $100 million from partner countries, nearly all of it from the 49 countries with Fulbright Commissions. Acknowledging the program’s global reach and collaborative partnerships, the Fulbright Association invited ambassadors from all 49 commission countries to our Fulbright Prize for International Understanding. In attendance, we hosted embassy representatives from 31 countries; 17 Ambassadors, 13 Diplomatic Corps Members, and the Fulbright Commission Director of Finland. We were also delighted to be joined by Congressman John Sarbanes (MD), Congressman John Garmamendi (CA), and Congressman Mark Takano (CA). The event underscored the program’s role in diplomacy and international cooperation, and we are thankful and delighted by their attendance.
John Bader, Executive Director of the Fulbright Association, emphasized the importance of alumni engagement in advocacy: “We continue to explore innovative ways to involve our alumni, recognizing their indispensable role in shaping the Fulbright Program’s future. I extend my gratitude to all who volunteered, encouraging continued participation in our advocacy efforts.”
Whether you are a Fulbright alum, an advocate for international education, or simply passionate about cultural exchange, there are several ways to contribute to advocacy efforts:
Share Your Story: Utilize the hashtag #StandForFulbright on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter to amplify the impact of your Fulbright experience.
Engage with the Fulbright Association: Join local Fulbright chapters to participate in advocacy meetings and events, ensuring your voice contributes to shaping future policy and funding decisions.
As we navigate a world increasingly interconnected by knowledge and understanding, the Fulbright Program remains a cornerstone of international education and cultural exchange. Let us unite in championing its mission to create a brighter, more interconnected future. Thank you to all who joined us in our recent advocacy efforts. Stay tuned for further updates on Fulbright advocacy initiatives and opportunities. Your voice matters in shaping the future of the Fulbright Program!
Together, let’s stand for Fulbright.
—Samantha Lore
Fulbright to Italy, 2019-2020
Advocacy Fellow
2 Responses
As a student and an African I will like to be a member of this noble Fulbright association.
Fulbright is a center of excellence for holistic education and a noble organization, infact they have inculcated soo much knowledge, integrety and teamwork into education, I wish to meet the stake holders of this brighter association and of course I am an African from the western part(Ghana),, but due hope to come to Europe and experience the learning, culture and teaching practice of this association.thank you all, and I hope my comments will be approved and considered.thank you all.