Nurturing Next Generation Leaders Connecting Japan and the United States: The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program Selects Ten Students for 6th Year Cohort

July 1, 2019
U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) TOMODACHI Initiative
Sumitomo Corporation

 

Nurturing Next Generation Leaders Connecting Japan and the United States: 
The TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program
Selects Ten Students for 6th Year Cohort

 

U.S.–Japan Council (Japan) (Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director and President: Irene Hirano Inouye) and Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Chief Executive Officer: Masayuki Hyodo) have selected ten (10) Japanese students as the participants of the 2019 TOMODACHI Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship Program (hereafter, “the program”).

The program is one of the Educational Programs supported by the TOMODACHI Initiative (hereafter, “TOMODACHI”*1), led by the U.S. Embassy and the U.S－Japan Council. The program was launched in 2014.

Through support by Sumitomo Corporation to study abroad in the United States, the program provides a scholarship of 1.8 million yen per year for each student on an exchange program at universities across the United States.

Moreover, during their study abroad period, students are offered various opportunities, including trainings by the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas New York Head Office. Through these opportunities, students broaden their global perspectives and learn leadership skills.

Furthermore, volunteer directors and employees of Sumitomo Corporation group support the students one-on-one as mentors (*2) to help the students achieve their desired goals and plans while studying abroad.

Thirty-eight (38) students have completed study abroad experiences through the program over the past five (5) years, bringing the current total of scholarship recipients to forty-eight (48) students.

Those who have already begun their careers frequently contribute to the program as alumni (*3), providing guidance to study abroad students in subsequent years.

Sumitomo Corporation and TOMODACHI continues to support university students through the program to help foster future global leaders connecting the United States and Japan.

[Meeting with President and 2018 scholars]                            [Award Ceremony in 2019]

*1: The TOMODACHI Initiative is a public-private partnership between the U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, with support from the Government of Japan. Born out of support for Japan’s recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, TOMODACHI invests in the next generation of Japanese and American leaders through educational and cultural exchanges as well as leadership programs. The initiative seeks to foster a “TOMODACHI Generation” of young American and Japanese leaders who are committed to and engaged in strengthening U.S.-Japan relations, appreciate each other’s countries and cultures, and possess the global skills and mindsets needed to contribute to and thrive in a more cooperative, prosperous, and secure world. Visit us at www.tomodachi.org

*2: ‘Mentor’ refers to the advisers and people whom the students can consult with.

*3: ‘Alumni’ refers to past participants of the TOMODACHI programs.