Application Open for TOMODACHI-U.S. Embassy Go for Gold Sports Leadership Program 2024-2025
On August 1, 2024, the U.S.-Japan Council will begin accepting applications for the TOMODACHI – U.S.Embassy Go for Gold Leadership Program, 2024-2025 Program Year.
The program is designed to play a crucial role in building a “TOMODACHI Generation” of creative and innovative leaders whose interests lie in the sports industry, and who possess the globally-oriented skills and mindsets needed to thrive and make contributions to the industry. It will bring up to ten Japanese college students to the United States for a two-week study program in Los Angeles and New York City.
This three-part program provides ample leadership training opportunities, as well as a first-hand view of examples of leadership success in the United States for those seeking future careers in the sports industry.The Los Angeles portion of the Program will be the facility management, as well as community engagement and youth outreach. The focus of the New York portion of the Program, participants will learn the business of sports and exposure to the many careers that support the industry in connection with international athletic events.
Program Information
- Organizer: U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) TOMODACHI Initiative
- Sponsor: U.S. Embassy in Tokyo
- Partners: Japanese Association for Sport Management (JASM), LA84 Foundation, LeadOff Sports
- Number of participants: 10 (must be Japanese students enrolled in Japanese college/university)
- Application Period: August 1 – 30, 2024
- Interview date: September 21, 2024
- Results Announced: October 1, 2024
- Program Cost: Free
- Program Duration: December 2024 – March 2025 (see schedule below)
- *Program schedule subject to change
Schedule
Information Session
August 17, 2024, 10:00am – 11:30am (JT)
Registration: here
Orientations
- December 7 – 8, 2024 (in-person, overnight)
- January 19, 2025 (virtual)
- February 9, 2025 (virtual)
U.S. Trip
- Los Angeles: Feb 25 – Mar 4, 2025
- Los Angeles: March 4 – Mar 11, 2025
Final Presentation
- Tokyo: March 14, 2025
Participant Eligibility
- Japanese undergraduate student (exchange student not eligible)
- Currently majoring in sports management or other related fields
- Seeking careers in the sports industry
- Currently has or able to attain college-level command in English before start of the program (TOEIC Score 600/ EIKEN Grade 2 level proficiency)
- Requires recommendation from a school administrator or other instructor
- Enroll as JASM member before the start of the program
- Must be able to attend all aspects of the program (including all orientations)
How to Apply
Please submit the following required documents to Go4Gold@usjapancouncil.org.
Application Deadline: August 30, 2024
- TOMODACHI – U.S. Embassy Go For Gold Sports Leadership Program Application Form (Please download the form here)
- Letter of Recommendation from Professor
- Proof of Language Acquisition (TOEIC/TOEFL score, proof of past study abroad experience, etc.)
- Questions about the program? Please contact us at Go4Gold@usjapancouncil.org.
