UC Merced has been designated a Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader for 2023 by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Each year, the ECA recognizes the strong engagement of select HSIs within the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government's flagship international academic exchange program.
UC Merced joins 46 other institutions nationwide that were selected for demonstrating noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and promoting Fulbright Program opportunities on campus. The Leaders were announced at the annual Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) conference in Chicago.
ECA Assistant Secretary of State Lee Satterfield commended the institutions receiving the Fulbright HSI Leader designation this year.
"Representation matters and pairing the world-class educational opportunities that Hispanic-Serving Institutions provide with the power of Fulbright further enriches the experience and educational opportunities for students and scholars both at home and abroad," Satterfield said.
Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, artists, and teachers from all types of institutions with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research.
The Fulbright Program was created through legislation introduced by the late Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas and signed into law by President Harry Truman. The program aims to further a shared global vision for peaceful relations among nations.
"UC Merced prides itself on its efforts to generate high levels of engagement and support for Hispanic/Latinx students as they seek to broaden their experiences through the renowned Fulbright international educational exchange program," said Chancellor Juan Sánchez Muñoz. "We are honored to receive recognition as an HSI Leader and pledge to continue doing the work that will hold this distinction for years to come."
At UC Merced, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) provides information and related services to domestic Fulbright applicants. Students who are interested in the Fulbright Program should contact OIA.
