U.S. Embassy in Armenia marks 20th anniversary of FLEX program

PanARMENIAN.Net - On April 26, 2013, The U.S. Embassy in Armenia, the Armenian Ministry of Science and Education, American Councils and program alumni marked the 20-year anniversary of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) Program at the U.S. Embassy. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern and Armenian Deputy Minister of Science and Education Karine Harutyunyan delivered keynote remarks.

During the over twenty year bilateral relationship between Armenia and the United States, 821 high school students from all corners of Armenia have studied in cities and towns throughout the United States. This program is an example of the strong educational partnership that has flourished between the two countries, and the FLEX alumni have had great success in Armenia upon their return.

Established by the U.S. Congress in 1992, the FLEX program encourages long-lasting peace and mutual understanding between the United States and countries of Eurasia. In Armenia, the program is administered by American Councils. The program provides opportunities for high school students (ages 15-17) to spend a year in the United States, living with a host family and attending an American high school. Program alumni from Armenia have become leaders in local government, international organizations, civil society, and business.