Grant Funded Initiatives

GTDI conducts programs in the U.S. for participants from other countries in partnership with the U.S. State Department. Since 2010, program curricula leverage the broad array of resources at the University of Connecticut as well as other nationally recognized academic institutions and public, private and non-profit organizations located in the Boston, Hartford, and New York City corridor.

Program participants include government, business, non-profit and community leaders, as well as university students. Individual sessions are typically five weeks in length and cover a wide spectrum of themes.

Each program is tailored to the unique needs and interests of the participants and the issues facing their countries. The daily schedule combines academic presentations with group discussions; readings; case studies; roundtables; computer lab applications; visits to federal, state and local government agencies and community groups; and a variety of cultural events. The learning environment is specifically designed to ensure that participants:

  • Enhance their knowledge and technical skills
  • Experience cross-cultural sharing
  • Develop a personalized action plan to drive change and innovation upon their return home
  • Build a network of personal and professional contacts for continued information sharing and learning after the program ends

Past Programs

  • UConn Emerging Scholars Program: South Africa
  • Study of the U.S. Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Social Entrepreneurship
  • Empowering Women through Social Entrepreneurship: Fellowship Exchange with Costa Rica
  • International Sports Program Initiative: Fellowship Exchange with Hong Kong
  • International Sports Program Initiative: South Africa
  • Young Turkey / Young America Program: Fellowship Exchange with the Turkey