World Learning wins award to administer global leadership exchange program; foster professional collaboration

Publication Date: March 18, 2024
Publication Location: Washington, DC
Contact: Abby Henson   |   [email protected]

World Learning won an award worth approximately $24 million over the course of three years to administer the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a flagship global exchange that brings current and emerging leaders to the U.S. for professional study tours. The funding, which began in January, will cover administrative and program costs through December 2026.

Through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, World Learning has been one of eight implementing organizations of IVLP since 1986. It won the recent award as the result of a competitive bidding process.

“We are pleased to continue this longstanding partnership with the U.S. Department of State on IVLP,” World Learning CEO Carol Jenkins said. “World Learning believes in the transformational capacity of exchange programs like IVLP to solve some of the world’s most complex issues such as global economic development, climate change, and international security.”

Each year, World Learning brings more than 685 visitors from more than 140 countries to the U.S. for IVLP. Participants explore topics ranging from women and entrepreneurship and combating human trafficking to global pandemic collaboration and wildlife conservation. In the process, they foster professional networks and help strengthen U.S. engagement with countries around the world.

“IVLP provided me with a unique platform to gain in-depth knowledge, insights, and practical skills related to entrepreneurship and small business development,” a 2023 program participant from the Middle East and North Africa region said. “The curriculum, workshops, and interactions with successful entrepreneurs and industry experts have been invaluable in shaping my entrepreneurial mindset and expanding my horizons.”