2021 Emerging Leaders Program Application

Please read carefully and complete the form below to apply for the 2021 Emerging Leaders Program.

IMPORTANT DATES

Please make note of these important dates when submitting your application.

  • Application deadline: Sunday, August 8, 2021, 11:59pm PT
  • Application review period: August-September
  • Notifications: By late September via email to all applicants

PROGRAM

  • Class Orientation & USJC Signature Series (1-2 hour virtual sessions)
    • Fall 2021:
      • *Class Orientation: October 7, 4:00pm PT
      • *Members Forum: October 21 
      • **Bilateral Boardroom: November 16 
      • **Next Generation Summit: December 10-11 

* Mandatory
** May be viewed on-demand following the event 

  • Virtual Curriculum 
    Connect with USJC’s global community of diverse leaders and develop professional skills, strengthen networks, and build powerful relationships through ELP’s virtual curriculum. Each session will feature an expert speaker on a topic related to leadership development in the context of the Japanese American experience.
    • Timeframe: January-May, 3rd Thursday of each month, 4:00-6:00pm Pacific Time.
      • January 20, 2022
      • February 17, 2022
      • March 17, 2022
      • April 21, 2022
      • May 19, 2022
      • June 16, 2022
    • Additional sessions will include programming with ELP alumni, class debriefs & meetings with staff.
    • The class will collaborate on a final presentation to close the program.

CRITERIA

Candidates for the Emerging Leaders Program should meet the following criteria:

  • Japanese American professionals 24-35 years of age in 2021
  • Hold U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency
  • Reside in the United States or Japan
  • Strong interest in U.S.-Japan relations as demonstrated through professional, academic, extra-curricular or community involvement
  • Demonstrated leadership experience
  • Commitment to remain involved in U.S.-Japan relations by engaging in U.S.-Japan Council programs and initiatives

In making the final selection, diversity of geography, gender, and professional background will also be given consideration.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS & ADDITIONAL BENEFITS 

Selected applicants will be introduced to the Council via a series of virtual events beginning in October 2021, including specially tailored programming designed for leadership development and engagement with the USJC network.

Selected applicants will become U.S.-Japan Council Associates with the first year’s membership dues waived (membership is normally by invitation and nomination). Membership will allow delegates to remain engaged and contribute to USJC’s mission. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO APPLY

As part of the application process, candidates will be asked to upload a PDF packet including documents 1-3 below, as well as a short video. All materials must be in English. 

  1. Resume
  2. Personal Statement
  3. Letter(s) of Recommendation (limit 2, may be submitted separately via email)
  4. Short video (see prompt in application form below, limit 3 minutes)
  5. Other online materials to help us get to know you (optional)

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

APPLICATION FORM

NOTE: PROGRESS CANNOT BE SAVED ON THIS APPLICATION. Please plan to submit the form in one sitting. If the form appears to be cut off in your browser, place your cursor on the text and scroll down.