Donate
To donate to the U.S.-Japan Council in support of the Mineta Ambassadors Program, please send an email to [email protected] and we will follow up with guidance and to schedule a call.
Overview
The U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) is proud to administer the Mineta Ambassadors Program (MAP), an education endowment program to support exchange opportunities between U.S. and Japanese students. MAP fosters global mindsets, cultivates long-term bilateral ties, and bolsters the strength and resilience of the special relationship between the United States and Japan. MAP is made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who share our vision of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and empowering the next generation of global leaders (see list of sponsors below).
The Mineta Ambassadors Program’s name honors the legacy of former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and U.S. Secretary of Commerce, the Honorable Norman Y. Mineta, who, in addition to his celebrated career of public service, was a longtime member and leader within the U.S.-Japan Council.
MAP provides grants to institutions that facilitate exchanges between the United States and Japan. MAP alumni are also welcomed into USJC’s TOMODACHI Generation network, which includes networking opportunities with other TOMODACHI alumni, opportunities to connect with USJC members, virtual and regional events throughout the year, and more. Inquiries may be sent to: [email protected].
Eligibility Criteria
Please note: MAP grants are provided to institutions that facilitate student exchanges for college and high school students, and are not provided directly to individuals seeking scholarships.
The grantee organization (applicant) should meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Ability to meet some of the aspirational student metrics of the program. (See below)
- Must be a tax-exempt organization in the United States or the equivalent in Japan.
- Demonstrated success and/or staff members experienced in facilitating student exchanges (college and/or high school level).
- Must be the primary/sole recipient of the funds and facilitator of the exchange.
- National government agencies and departments are generally not eligible for MAP funds, but local governments, certain government-affiliated institutions (e.g., public schools, economic development corporations, etc.) and high schools (including private high schools and those affiliated with national universities), higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations that are tax-exempt and able to receive grants in their respective country may be eligible for MAP funds.
Students participating in the exchange program(s) by the grantee organization should meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Citizens or permanent residents of their respective country (United States or Japan).
- Able to obtain the proper travel/entry visa.
- In good academic standing at their respective high school or accredited college/university in the United States or Japan.
- For high school students (studying abroad or short-term visitation program):
- Able to receive parental/guardian consent.
- For college students (studying abroad):
- Undergraduate and graduate students (eligible types of international study programs include: direct enrollment, affiliate/third-party, exchange, degree-seeking).
- Will be enrolled in an exchange program or credit-bearing course of study at a university or approved academic center in the United States or Japan in the upcoming academic year.
Aspirational Student Metrics
MAP is designed to expand opportunities for high school and college students who may not otherwise have them. When considering proposals, the selection committee will give priority to programs that support cohorts including:
- Students with no prior U.S.-Japan exchange experience abroad.
- Female students.
- (Japanese students) Students from outside of the Tokyo Metropolitan area.
- (American students) Students from historically underrepresented communities.
How to Apply and Timeline
Past information can be found here.
Grantees
After a highly competitive selection process, we are honored to recognize the following organizations for their exceptional proposals and dedication to making a meaningful impact. USJC and USJC (Japan) work together with the recipients to deepen lifelong ties and understanding between the peoples of the United States and Japan.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Hiroshima University – Mega Exchange Program for Nurturing Peace and Sustainability Leaders
- The program aims to cultivate future leaders for peace and sustainability through a 10- to 12-day short-term exchange program, facilitated between Hiroshima University and the University of Idaho. Each university will send 30 students to participate in lectures, site visits, group discussions, and presentations.
AFS-Japan and AFS-USA – Youth Talk: Connecting Japan and US Youth in Dialogue and Exchange
- The program aims to cultivate active global citizens through a 10- to 12-day short-term exchange program, with a focus on enhancing intercultural and interpersonal communication skills. AFS-Japan and AFS-USA will send 5 Japanese and 5 American high school students to participate in community and school-based activities, including a host family experience.
Sponsors
The Mineta Ambassadors Program is made possible thanks to the generosity of donors who share our vision of strengthening U.S.-Japan relations and empowering the next generation of global leaders.
- Aflac
- Apple*
- The BlackRock Foundation*
- CrowdWorks, Inc.
- Dr. Hiroyuki and Mrs. Mikiko Fujita
- Goldman Sachs
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Kawasaki Good Times Foundation
- Kikkoman Corporation
- Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
- Satoru and Hiroko Murase
- Oisix ra daichi Inc.
- PKSHA Technology Inc.
- Sony Group Corporation
- Suntory Holdings Limited
- Thierry Porté
- TOBE MAKI Foundation and Otsuka America, Inc.
- United States-Japan Foundation
- The Toshizo Watanabe Foundation*
*Top Sponsors
Thank you to everyone else who pledged in support of this program!
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Mineta Ambassadors Program (MAP) grants will be provided in the 2025-26 academic year?
The number of MAP grants provided each year will vary depending on the funds available and the requested amounts. For AY 2025-26, we anticipate awarding approximately three to six grants.
What is the maximum amount of MAP funds that may be awarded to a single institution in an academic year?
The maximum amount of MAP funds that may be awarded per institution in an academic year is $100,000.
Does applying for less MAP funds increase the chance of being selected?
No, applying for less MAP funds does not increase the chance of being selected.
Can MAP funds be added to or supplemented with funds from other sources?
Yes, exchange programs supported by MAP funds can additionally be funded by other sources. MAP does not need to be the sole funder. Cost sharing is welcome.
Are applying institutions allowed to include costs for overhead in their budget proposal?
Yes, applying institutions may include a management fee of their determination to cover anticipated overhead expenses.
Is it possible at a later date to adjust the amount of MAP funds awarded?
The amount of MAP funds awarded may be decreased but not increased. Any unspent funds will be forfeited and must be returned to the U.S.-Japan Council.
Will grant funds be provided to new exchange programs or only existing exchange programs?
MAP grant funds may be used for new or existing exchange programs. In each case, the applying institution must be able to demonstrate a successful track record in facilitating exchanges.
When must the exchange program take place?
MAP grant funds must be used for exchange programs taking place in the upcoming U.S. academic year from September to August of the following calendar year. For programs following the Japanese academic calendar, they must begin in the equivalent U.S. academic year, but may end in the following U.S. academic year if the program will extend over two U.S. academic years.
Will multi-year proposals be considered?
While proposals with plans for multi-year exchanges can be submitted, agreements with grantees are only made on a one-year annual basis. Funding for exchanges beyond the first year are not guaranteed, and all institutions must reapply for the next grant cycle each year.
Which types of exchange programs are eligible to be funded?
Programs that physically bring students from one country (United States or Japan) to the other or both countries in a reciprocal exchange. These can be 1) academic study abroad (semester or full year) or short-term visitation programs and 2) at the high school or college (undergraduate and graduate) level. English and Japanese language programs are eligible. Fully virtual programs with no physical exchange component are not eligible.
Can more than one proposal be submitted for the same academic year?
Yes, applicants are welcome to submit multiple proposals per academic year, but please submit them at the same time.
Are there any costs or fees associated with applying for MAP funds?
No, there are no costs or fees associated with applying for MAP funds.
Can students involved in existing exchanges be funded?
The purpose of MAP is to increase the number of students participating in exchanges between the United States and Japan. Grantees who are facilitating exchange programs must be able to demonstrate that the grant funds will result in an identifiable net increase in students participating in exchanges.
Is it possible at a later date to adjust the number of students participating in MAP-funded exchanges?
The number of students participating in MAP-funded exchanges may be increased if actual spending allows, but institutions receiving MAP funds are contractually obligated to facilitate at least the number of agreed upon student exchanges.
If awarded MAP funds, how will the funds be disbursed?
MAP funds will be disbursed as one lump sum to U.S. institutions by bank transfer or check, and to Japan-based institutions only by bank transfer.
If awarded MAP funds, can their use be deferred to a later academic year?
No, usage of MAP funds cannot be deferred. They must be used for the upcoming academic year or forfeited and returned to the U.S.-Japan Council.
Are there any reporting or branding requirements associated with receiving MAP funds?
Yes, reporting requirements are listed above on this webpage, and any additional requirements including those related to branding guidelines will be included in the agreement to be signed. Branding requirements are typically related to recognizing the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC) and the Mineta Ambassadors Program in various materials, products, and reports.
Can MAP funds be used to support professional experiences?
No, MAP funds cannot be used to support professional work, research, or internship experiences. All exchanges funded by MAP must be academic and involve high school or college students.
May students apply directly to the U.S.-Japan Council for MAP funds?
No, MAP funds are only available to institutions that facilitate student exchanges.
I have a question that is not found in this FAQ section. Who should I contact to get an answer?
If you have a question or situation that is not covered by the information in the FAQ section, please contact the U.S.-Japan Council’s MAP grant administration team at [email protected]. No phone inquiries please.