Cultural, Technical and Educational Centers

Assistance is provided to implement specific projects identified by Congress. Funding is provided to the Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West (East-West Center) to promote better relations and understanding between the United States and the nations of Asia and the Pacific through cooperative study, training, and research. Scholars, students, teachers, government officials, NGO leaders, journalists and other professionals in various fields from the U.S. and the Asia Pacific region may study and carry out research, exchange ideas and views, lead and participate in seminars and training activities, take part in cultural programs, and conduct other activities primarily in support of the objectives of the Fulbright-Hays Act, as amended, and other Acts promoting the international, educational, cultural, and related activities of the United States. Funding is appropriated each fiscal year from interest and earnings credited to the Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue Trust Fund for operations of the International Center for Middle Eastern-Western Dialogue (commonly referred to as the Hollings Center) which promotes dialogue, programs, and scholarships for various stakeholders to promote understanding and expand channels of communication between the United States and the Muslim world through workshops, networking opportunities, and creation of channels of collaboration across sectors and borders between opinion leaders and experts.