SJSU Named Fulbright HSI Leader by the U.S. Department of State for Fourth Year Running

SJSU has been named a 2023-2024 HSI Fulbright Leader by the U.S. Department of State. Photo by Javier Duarte.

Every year, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) recognizes select Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) as Fulbright HSI Leaders for their strong engagement with the Fulbright program. As of November 4, San José State is proud to be named a 2023-2024 Fulbright HSI Leader for the fourth consecutive year.

San José State is one of four California State Universities (CSUs) included in the list. The recognized colleges and universities include seven associate’s colleges, five baccalaureate colleges, two special focus institutions, 10 master’s colleges and universities, and 28 doctoral universities. 

The initiative encourages administrators, faculty and students at HSIs to engage with Fulbright and highlights the strength of HSIs as destinations for international students and scholars. The U.S. Department of State has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the goal of which is to increase the awareness of and participation by the Hispanic community of the United States in the Fulbright Program and in other exchange programs supported by the U.S. Department of State.

“I am confident that our engagement with the program will continue to grow as we advance our shared priority of teaching our talented and diverse students – the world’s future leaders – to become active and engaged participants in our increasingly interconnected, interdependent global economy and society,” said CSU Chancellor Mildred García, a two-time Fulbrighter herself. “My Fulbright experiences have enriched my personal and professional lives in immeasurable ways.”

HSI students and faculty who have taken part in Fulbright opportunities come back to their campuses with new insights, and leaders of HACU-member institutions appreciate the long-term research partnerships and international collaborations made possible through Fulbright.

Scott Weinhold, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, commended the 2024 Fulbright HSI Leaders for their support of the Fulbright Program. Weinhold said, “Fulbrighters from HSIs contribute to the Program’s goal of reflecting the full diversity, perspectives, and talents of the American people.”

About the Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program with a longstanding commitment to diversity, working to ensure that participants reflect the United States and societies abroad. The Fulbright Program works closely with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to promote international exchange opportunities to staff, students and faculty at HSIs.  This year’s Fulbright HSI Leaders were announced at the HACU Annual Conference. Fulbright also works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, the American Association of Community Colleges, Diversity Abroad and many more organizations.

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 students, scholars, artists and teachers from all types of institutions the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters build connections, gain experience, exchange ideas and 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.

Learn about Fulbright’s efforts to further DEIA within the program and about the Fulbright HSI Leaders initiative.