15 YEARS TO THE FUTURE LEADERS EXCHANGE (FLEX) PROGRAM

Aysor
Feb 26 2010
Armenia

On February 25, 2010, the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, the Armenian
Ministry of Science and Education, American Councils/ACCELS, and
program alumni commemorated the 15-year anniversary of the Future
Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program in Armenia. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia
Marie L. Yovanovitch and Armenian Minister of Science and Education
Armen Ashotyan delivered keynote remarks, informs the press office
of the US embassy to Armenia.

In her remarks, Ambassador Yovanovitch noted that, "The FLEX program is
an example of the strong educational partnership that has flourished
between the United States and Armenia. Both countries recognize that
international education and cultural exchanges are an investment
in global understanding and peace. Both countries also know that
the exchange of people and ideas is essential to the promotion
of democracy, economic prosperity, international cooperation, and
security around the world."

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1992 to encourage long-lasting
peace and mutual understanding between the U.S. and countries of
Eurasia, FLEX is a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs of the U.S. Department of State. In Armenia it is administered
by American Councils. The program provides opportunities for high
school students (ages 15-17) to spend a year in the United States,
living with a host family and attending an American high school.

Nearly 700 high school students from Armenia have studied in the U.S.

under FLEX since its inception. Program alumni from Armenia are
leaders in their fields, working in local government, international
organizations, civil society, and business.