Do you want to make a difference in your community but need support to make your ideas reality? Apply to the Global Youth Service Day Matching Grants program! 

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest youth service and civic action event in the world. It celebrates and builds the capacity of all youth to help our communities by working together for the common good. In celebration of GYSD, FLEX alumni are eligible to apply for grant funding to address an issue in their local community! 

Grants are available for up to $500 (cost-share up to or exceeding the amount of grant funding requested is required) and projects must be implemented between April 1 and June 30, 2024. The program is open to all FLEX, FLEX Abroad, YES, and YES Abroad alumni. Apply at ais.americancouncils.org/gysd or click below!

Identify challenges. Develop a better understanding. Establish plans. Act. Lead by example. American Councils is seeking alumni from Montenegro and Serbia who are experienced professionals to serve as mentors for the 2024 IDEAL Workshop, a personal and professional development program for alumni of the FLEX and YES programs. To be selected as a mentor, one must demonstrate experience or potential as a teacher, trainer, and/or facilitator with expertise related to one of the following areas: Art and Storytelling, Business and Finance, Communication Skills, Global Affairs, Professional Development, or Self-actualization. The workshop is planned to take place in Montenegro, April 19-23, 2024, preceded by a mandatory, on-site preparation period for mentors April 17-19. Applications for mentors close on November 19. For more information and to apply, follow the link below. 

This week was International Education Week (IEW)! IEW is an opportunity to recognize the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State highlights the value of global and cultural competencies and promotes programs that help U.S. students and teachers develop global skills for success in the 21st century. What did you do to celebrate IEW? Email a photo and description to mmongero@americancouncils.org to be featured in our upcoming IEW highlights on the Bradley Herald website! We hope you had a productive IEW!  

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! In this throwback photo, teams of alumni discuss their answers during a quiz on Thanksgiving at the American Corner in Dashoguz. Thanksgiving during your exchange year is most likely a precious memory. Now, this quintessential American holiday of thankfulness provides the perfect chance to get together with fellow FLEX alumni – and your community – for good food and even better fellowship. Want to get involved with sharing American culture and experiencing American holidays like Thanksgiving? Reach out to your local Alumni Coordinator!