Dear Colleagues,

Over the last seven years, we’ve marveled at the impact of virtual exchange and its capacity to connect and empower a growing number of young people. We’ve seen the world evolve in ways once unimaginable, with online engagement fundamental to keeping the world connected. We want to thank so many of you who have been our partners and champions, sharing our vision and helping us arrive at this moment of growth. Together, we’ve honored the legacy of Ambassador Stevens by building networks for virtual exchange in the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), forging connections between young people who otherwise never would have met, but whose lives are forever changed.

We’ve long envisioned expanding into new geographic regions – increasing access for many more young people to learn and connect online. And today, with tremendous gratitude for the generous support and partnership of the Bezos Family Foundation, I am pleased to announce news of our transformation to a program powering a global movement to connect young people in many more regions around the world through virtual exchange. The technology is here, the knowledge is here, and now, our movement to build excitement around the potential of virtual exchange worldwide is in full swing.

We have long supported research and convenings that benefit all virtual exchange practitioners and have advocated for virtual exchange adoption around the world. To date, however, our investments have focused exclusively on programs that connect young people in the U.S. and the MENA region. Going forward, we will continue this work while also investing in new global programs, starting with virtual exchanges reaching Mexican and Ukrainian youth. We will also develop new ways to share and grow knowledge in the field and increase our advocacy efforts to ensure that all young people can one day participate in a virtual exchange.

Thank you for being part of our program’s foundation. From sharing our social media updates, to making key connections, to expertly implementing one of our funded programs, your unique contribution has helped shape the Stevens Initiative and is tremendously meaningful to us. We look forward to your continued partnership as we bring the gifts of virtual exchange to new, deserving young populations and as we build communities of innovation, understanding, and hope.

With appreciation,

Christine Shiau

Executive Director, Stevens Initiative