Emerging Leaders: US-China Study Delegation

The CBCF Emerging Leaders: US-China Study Delegation is a study abroad program designed to provide African-American students living or attending school in Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) member districts with the opportunity to experience Chinese culture and learn Mandarin during a two-week visit to China. Through this initiative, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) aims to promote African Americans’ interest in career and study options involving US-China relations, thereby expanding opportunities for African Americans in an era of increasing globalization.

In 2017, one (1) group of 18 students will participate in the program. Students will take part in orientation activities in Washington, DC before leaving for China and in a debrief session in Washington, DC upon their return. Students will participate in a challenging and rewarding program during their two weeks in China that includes academic, cultural and reflection activities.

Program Dates
Thursday, June 1, 2017 – Sunday, June 18, 2017

Eligibility Requirements

• Live OR attend school in a CBC member district. Click here to identify your representative house.gov and cross-check against the CBC Member list to see if they are in the CBC. Students who live or go to school in New Jersey and California are all represented by a CBC member.
• Enrolled in an HBCU, minority serving institution, or predominately white institution (PWI); for community college students, must be graduating in May 2017
• Majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics-related (STEM) fields, business, trade, or international affairs/relations
• Completing their second, third, or fourth year of college in May 2017 based on credits earned
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Have a valid passport at the time they submit their application
• U.S. citizen

Covered Costs
All of the scholars’ housing, travel and meals in China are covered by the China-US Exchange Foundation. CBCF covers participants’ housing and most of their meals during their stay in Washington, DC; CBCF also covers the scholars’ ground transportation in Washington, DC once the program has started; and the international airfare from Washington, D.C. to China.

Other/Non-Covered Costs
Participants will be responsible for covering the following costs:

• Passport-related costs – Varies
• Travel visas – $140 (CBCF will provide guidance in applying for visas)
• Program fee – $60
• Roundtrip travel to and from Washington, DC and ground transportation to and from housing in Washington, DC – Varies
• Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and non-covered meals

How to Apply
The application has two parts: A General Application for everyone applying to a CBCF program and Supplemental Questions specific to the China Study program. Students applying for the China Study Abroad program must complete both parts. You will see the Supplemental Questions after completing the General Application. The application requires:

1. 2 completed recommendation letters (Ideal recommenders would be a dean, department chair, academic advisor, or employer.)
2. Resume (1-3 pages)
3. Recent professional-looking photograph/headshot
4. Color copy of passport (and permanent resident card for legal residents)
5. Responses to three short answer essay questions related to the academic and professional relevance of participating in this program and interest in China.
6. Official transcript(s) uploaded to your application in the Supplemental Questions section (you will gain access to this final section upon completion and submission of the General Application section).

Contact
Deidre Ellis, Program Coordinator

• Phone: 202.263.5712
• E-mail: dellis@cbcfinc.org

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

We envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement. Our mission of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is to advance the global black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.