The University of Connecticut has been named as a Fulbright HSI (Hispanic-Serving Institution) Leader for 2024. Each year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes select HSIs for their strong engagement of with the Fulbright Program, the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program.

Fulbright HSI Leaders demonstrate noteworthy support for Fulbright exchange participants and encourage administrators, faculty, and students at HSIs to engage with Fulbright on campus.  The Fulbright HSI Leaders Initiative also highlights the strength of HSIs as destinations for international students and scholars.

This marks the first time that UConn has earned this distinction and is just one of 51 institutions nationally to be recognized in 2024.

The Fulbright HSI Leaders were announced during the International Plenary Session of the annual conference of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU).

“Fulbrighters from HSIs contribute to the Program’s goal of reflecting the full diversity, perspectives, and talents of the American people,” says Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“This recognition affirms our commitment to supporting current students and recent graduates from all backgrounds, majors, and campuses as they pursue a Fulbright award,” says Michael Cunnigham, the Assistant Director of the Office of National Scholarships and Fellowships.

UConn’s current representatives in the Fulbright U.S. Student Program include Lizzy Irizarry ’23 (CLAS), ’24 MPA. Irizarry earned her undergraduate degree in Latino studies with a minor in Africana studies before attaining her master’s in public administration. She is currently in the southern part of Italy for her Fulbright experience.

Since its founding in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided over 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists, and professionals of all backgrounds and in all fields with the opportunity to study, teach, and conduct research abroad.  Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex address global challenges.  Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program.

The Fulbright Program implements a wide range of initiatives to ensure that its participants reflect all aspects of the diversity of U.S. society and societies abroad. In addition to HACU, the Fulbright Program also cultivates relationships with external stakeholders, including the White House Initiative on HBCUs, Diversity Abroad, UNCF, the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Mobility International, among many others.