U.S. Exchange Programs Alumni Projects of 2016
Alumni Projects 2016

The second day of the conference split into working groups to discuss areas of Russian-American cooperation in the categories of space, business, culture and science/ technology. Participants collectively created projects to engage Russian and American youth in resolving challenges in these specific categories: creating joint recycling programs in U.S. and Russian schools; educational websites by NASA and Russian counterparts to provide more information on space programs; a youth cross-cultural club to provide space and information on people of all ages and backgrounds; and the creation of Russian-American Business Club to educate youth about business in the U.S. and Russia and create business incubators. Participants also met and spoke with several U.S. Embassy officials: Mark Wentworth (Minister-Counselor for Public Affairs), James Land (Cultural Affairs Attache), Justin Tillman (Head of NASA Office), Peter Burba (Environmental Officer), Andrew Krause (Economics Officer) and an intern from the Political Office.
Total participants: 120

The Human Rights Discussion class project was developed by two IVLP alumni, Andrey Obolensky and Yuri Maximov, who taught 20 sessions to those interested in learning about the structure and mechanisms behind international human rights legislation and organizations.
Class participants consisted of human rights program university students, international students from African nations, lawyers pursuing human rights law and general enthusiasts. 17 people graduated from the class (those who attended 80% of the classes or more), while over 80 participants attended at one time or another.
Total participants: 17 graduates, 85 individual attendees

Open World alumna, Isabella Atlaskirova, had two components to her project: the creation of an online resource for female entrepreneurs and businesswomen (http://businessandwoman.ru) to gain tips and information on better practices; and an on-site seminar for women on how to launch a new business in Russia.
The seminar concluded with OPORA Russia Women’s Entrepreneurship Committee Leader, Veronika Peshkova, who talked about their activities in developing women entrepreneurship and startups in Russia.
Total participants: 50 (first conference), 35 (second conference)

FLEX alumnus, Dmitry Makarov, held a three-part workshop on the introductory steps to starting a small business in Russia. His main goal was to raise awareness and effectiveness in young Russian entrepreneurs. Registration for all of his workshops quickly maxed out those spots available.
spoke about start-up evaluation; and Andrey Yakovlev, financial expert at World Bank, who spoke about the basics of financial management in start-ups.
The majority of the audience consisted of young business professionals and/or students, who would like to start their own businesses in a variety of fields. Several participants commented on being impressed by the caliber of guest speakers. There were 12 participants who attended all 3 workshops and received certificates of participation at the end.
Total participants: 143 participants (total)

A workshop led by IVLP alumnus and MELTA Committee Head, Dr. Peter Stepichev, to learn how to use Gramik, an innovative cube intended for visually impaired and blind students learning English.
Total participants: 24

I'm your personal assistant and I'll help you find what you’re looking for at the American Center. We have "AMC Online | Poetry Club" on 27 May (on Friday). Would you like to visit it?
