CultureConnect is an international initiative whose goal is to improve global, cross-cultural understanding.

As an exchange program under the supervision of the Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Patricia S. Harrison, CultureConnect focuses primarily on young audiences ages 12 to 25. Working with U.S. posts throughout the world and utilizing the talents of people from diverse backgrounds or disciplines&#151cultural arts, business, sports, government, politics, education&#151CultureConnect Ambassadors interact with young audiences on several levels, addressing aspects of American culture beyond the stereotypes.

The CultureConnect Ambassadors comprise a dedicated group of people known throughout the world for excellence in their fields who want to teach, mentor and work with young people. While overseas they engage with youth by undertaking projects in their areas of expertise through clinics, performances, coaching sessions, motivational speeches, master classes, and leadership training.

Through our embassies worldwide, The CultureConnect Ambassadors interact with leaders from business and industry, the cultural arts, the government and the community to identify ways to increase opportunities for young people via exchange programs and school-to-school initiatives.

The CultureConnect program also helps countries to strengthen their own cultural institutions as well as to build sustainable linkages and relationships between American individuals and institutions and their foreign counterparts.