Since 1998, the Mississippi Consortium of International Development’s (MCID’s) Washington, DC office has partnered with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to design and implement the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). MCID is one of several nonprofit, National Program Agencies (NPAs) based in Washington, DC that administers the IVLP. The program, designed to enhance mutual understanding through professional and cultural exchange, brings approximately 5,000 current and emerging leaders in government, politics, civil society, business, media, education, the arts, and other fields to the U.S. each year. More than 200 current and former heads of state, 1,500 cabinet-level ministers, and many other distinguished leaders in the public and private sectors have participated in the IVLP since its inception. MCID works closely with member nonprofit organizations of the Global Ties network to capture the essence of communities across the United States through professional programming, tours that highlight regional history and geography, and hospitality hosted by local families. IVLP is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by MCID Washington.
