UNITED STATES-JAPAN BRIDGING FOUNDATION INC
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : t****n@b****************n.o*g
Mission Statement
Created in 1998, the U.S.-Japan Bridging Foundation (USJBF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, strengthens the U.S.-Japan relationship by developing global leaders and cultivating a globally-minded next generation workforce, through study abroad in Japan as “Bridging Scholars.” We have supported almost 2,200 U.S. undergraduate students’ cultural and educational exchanges, providing opportunities for a diverse cross-section of young adults to develop global leadership and workforce skills that will deepen their understanding of Japan and strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship. The Bridging Scholars program provides scholarships to help U.S. students afford to study in Japan so they can immerse themselves in Japanese culture. The program also encompasses leadership development, mentoring, internship, and volunteer opportunities for students. Bridging Scholars represent every state in the U.S. and study for a semester or academic year in over 40 Japanese institutions.
About This Cause
In 1995, more than 48,000 Japanese students were studying annually in the United States, compared to less than 1,800 U.S. students studying in Japan. That imbalance had palpable impact on the management of the bilateral relationship. From foreign relations to foreign trade, the U.S. needs globally competent citizens. However, insufficient funding and Japan’s higher cost of living pose major barriers for U.S. undergraduates to study in Japan. The USJBF directly and positively addresses this need, having awarded 1,863 study abroad scholarships to help close this funding gap. Based in Washington, DC, we work with public and private organizations, as well as corporate, foundation, and individual donors throughout the U.S. and Japan to remove financial barriers so young adults can study in Japan to gain global leadership, personal development, and workforce assets. During the covid pandemic, we launched a webinar series to bring U.S.-Japan relations to students and engage them with mentors, stakeholders, and the broader U.S.-Japan space for academic, leadership, and professional development opportunities and resources. USJBF awards 100-110 scholarships annually to U.S. undergraduates with strong academic records who are passionate about Japanese language and culture. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of Bridging Scholars qualify as low-income, demonstrating keen financial need. Scholarship grants and leadership/professional development with study abroad help prepare America’s young people to assume leadership roles in all aspects of cultural, educational, science, technology/innovation, trade, and security relations between Japan and the United States. Young women comprise fifty-five percent (55%) of Bridging Scholars, men 45%. Bridging Scholars attend classes, participate in school club activities, and experience home stays with their Japanese peers and elders. Through exposure to Japanese policy, academics, and business opportunities, they gain understanding and are better equipped to deal effectively with Japanese counterparts, enthusiastically promote Japan, and positively influence cross-cultural public life in the U.S.. Through this cultural and educational involvement, students cultivate lifelong learning and are attuned to cultural differences that facilitate working with people from any part of the world. Three core activities comprise the USJBF’s global education mission: recruiting students interested in studying abroad in Japan; funding scholarships for exchange students; and mentoring those students. The USJBF collaborates with the Bridging Project Clearinghouse at the American Association of Teachers of Japanese (AATJ--Clearinghouse) to carry out its activities. Through the Clearinghouse, the USJBF actively recruits students to study in Japan. We solicit applications twice a year to study for either a full year or one semester at universities throughout Japan. We receive at least six applications for every one awarded, demonstrating both strong interest in studying in Japan and demand for financial assistance, given the extremely high cost of traveling to and living in Japan. Besides granting scholarships, we work with donors and other partners to provide a comprehensive program that leverages scholarships to benefit the students and donors alike. Several corporate donors have created named scholars programs in which they specify the criteria of “their scholars.” We encourage students and donors to engage with one another – peer-to-peer and student-to-donor – through events, mentoring, volunteerism, internships, career recruitment, and leadership development. Since 1998, donors enjoy mentoring the students and directly seeing the impact of their donation. Last year we actively solicited input from supporters and alumni to better develop internship opportunities and diversify financial resources. The Bridging Scholars program produces tangible outcomes and a healthy return on investment, forming a strong group of globally minded young adults ready to be tomorrow’s global leaders who will promote U.S.-Japan relations. Bridging Foundation alumni continue their interest and involvement in U.S.-Japan relations and go on to pursue careers in education, public health, technology, international affairs and business, and many other fields. In the attached 2014-2015 Biennial Impact Report, we have highlighted some of these alumni such as Caitlin, a visiting research fellow in Hiroshima, Japan; and Chris, who co-founded a technology company.