The U.S.-Japan Council is proud to partner with the United States Department of State in launching the Mineta Ambassadors Program (MAP), an education endowment program to support exchange opportunities between U.S. and Japanese students. 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 Leaders/members, virtual and regional events throughout the year, and more.
MAP had a soft launch with a pilot program for the 2024-25 academic year. The pilot program is funding 25 students from the United States and Japan to participate in an exchange in the other country. This includes high school and college students from Japan and college students from the United States, and both academic study abroad (semester and full year) and a short-term visitation program. Grantees for the soft launch are The United States-Japan Bridging Foundation and Kizuna Across Cultures, and additional scholarships were awarded directly to students by the U.S.-Japan Council. $206,500 in funds were awarded. More information on the pilot program can be found on the USJC website here.
USJC will be accepting MAP institutional grant proposals from October 28 to January 15, 2025 for the 2025-26 academic year. All institutions that facilitate student exchanges and meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply. The eligibility criteria, how to apply, grant timeline, and FAQ can be found on the USJC website here starting on October 28. Inquiries and proposals may be sent to: [email protected].
The U.S.-Japan Council and the U.S.-Japan Council (Japan) administer the Mineta Ambassadors Program, and the United States Embassy in Japan serves as the U.S. government’s lead on guiding and supporting the program. 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 here).