The Stevens Initiative

05/22/2026

Today, we celebrated and our 10th anniversary in Morocco—a place of great meaning to Ambassador Stevens and our program. Morocco, one of America's oldest friends and the first nation to recognize the United States in 1777, is where the Stevens Initiative was announced. Our alumni joined U.S. Exchange alumni Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State, American and Moroccan leaders, and fellow participants to build the global connections Ambassador Stevens valued—strengthening U.S.-MENA partnerships through engagement that will continue long after our time in Rabat.

The J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative is excited to announce the 2026 participants of the Alumni Academy.

05/21/2026

What happens when young people take global challenges into their own hands? In this Center for Rising Generations Q&A, two Stevens Initiative alumni reflect on how their IREX and Soliya virtual exchanges helped them see their communities and their leadership potential in a new light. Their work is a reminder that real change often starts close to home and that can spark action where it’s needed most. https://centerforrisinggenerations.substack.com/p/groundbreakers-global-exchange-today?r=5xlr5v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

05/20/2026

Big things are ahead for our 2026 cohort of the Alumni Leadership Academy!

They're kicking off the 2026 Rabat Leadership Workshop: Advancing United States-MENA Partnerships and Engagement, where they'll spend the week working alongside mentors from the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. In this solutions-focused workshop, alumni will develop practical solutions to real-world challenges impacting the U.S. and MENA region. Partnering with local organizations, they'll apply the leadership and professional skills they've been building since January to deliver concrete results that strengthen U.S.-MENA collaboration.

We're excited to see the solutions they develop together.

Follow along as we share updates, and learn more about our alumni here: https://www.stevensinitiative.org/alumni-fellowship-academy/ Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State

05/15/2026

The 2026 cohort of our Alumni Academy is here. As alumni, they know firsthand the power of global engagement and are seizing a new opportunity to take action within their communities. These 33 young leaders are activating critical professional and leadership skills and advancing local and regional prosperity through innovative community projects, thanks to support from Exchange Programs - U.S. Department of State. Stay tuned to see how these Fellows are turning ideas into impact and connection into meaningful change, including next week when we come together in Rabat, Morocco. Learn more: https://www.stevensinitiative.org/alumni-fellowship/

05/07/2026

In Center for Rising Generations' latest Groundbreakers feature, Soliya alum Amr Elattar was so moved by his virtual exchange experience—the tough conversations, the global perspectives, the bold and cautious moments—that he returned not just as a participant, but as a trained facilitator. This journey is proof that virtual exchange can cause a ripple effect, with one experience leading to many more. https://centerforrisinggenerations.substack.com/p/groundbreakers-circles-that-never?r=5xlr5v&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

05/04/2026

Alumni: did you know that it’s Teacher Appreciation Week? Your virtual exchange may not have been possible without some pretty incredible educators. Whether you participated in an exchange as a high school student many years ago or as a university student last semester, help us thank the educators who connected you with peers around the world for an unforgettable experience. Be sure to tag us and use so we can help highlight the educators who brought the world to your classroom.

04/18/2026

Ambassador Stevens is at the forefront of our work every day, and his birthday is an opportunity for us to reflect on all that has been accomplished in his honor since the Stevens Initiative was founded in 2015. We are proud to carry forward his legacy through many young people who have had the types of cross-cultural experiences Ambassador Stevens held dear.

09/30/2025

Alumni, the application deadline for the 2026 Alumni Fellowship Academy has been extended to October 7 at 5pm U.S. Eastern Time.

Apply here: https://stevensinitiative.smapply.io/prog/2026_alumni_fellowship_academy_/

09/16/2025

Say hello to Nedjla Khelfa Sahel, our Voice! 🌎
She’s spreading the word about programs with young people in her community and reminding us all of the power of connection and leadership. Thank you, Nedjla, for using your voice to inspire others! 🎤💡

09/16/2025

Meet Amy Sit, our Connector! 🌟
As Chair of our Alumni Advisory Council, she’s bringing alumni together, strengthening our community, and showing us the impact of collaboration and care. Thank you, Amy, for all that you do! 🤝