The Arkansas Chapter of the Fulbright Association, in partnership with the Clinton Presidential Center and other leading organizations, will host a comprehensive Youth Summit focused on international education opportunities. This event features two distinct programs: a half-day summit for invited high school students and an evening program open to the public.
Youth Summit (Invitation Only)
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 9:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock
Participants: Approximately 100 invited high school students from four area Little Rock schools
This exclusive half-day event will provide students with valuable information about opportunities to study, teach, or work abroad, with particular emphasis on funding these experiences through public and private scholarship programs. The summit will feature comprehensive coverage of prestigious programs including the Fulbright Scholarship, Gilman Scholarship, Rotary International, Japanese English Teaching Program (JET), and various university-based private scholarships.
Program Components
Expert Panel Discussion
The summit will feature a distinguished panel of former international exchange alumni and award recipients from major scholarship programs including Fulbright, Gilman, Rotary International, JET, and private university scholarships. These speakers will share insights from their international experiences and provide guidance on application processes.
Interactive Roundtable Sessions
Students will participate in roundtable exchanges with current students from the Clinton School of Public Service, offering peer-to-peer learning opportunities and practical advice about preparing for international programs.
Resource Fair
A comprehensive resource fair will showcase nearby universities that actively promote international studies and study abroad programs, providing students with direct access to program representatives and informational materials.
From Global Village to America First: Student Voices (Open to the Public)
Date & Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 6:00-7:00pm
Location: The Great Hall at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock
Audience: Open to the public
The day will conclude with a public forum examining the evolving landscape of international education over the past decade. This session will present key takeaways from the Youth Summit and feature reflections from international exchange alumni whose lives were significantly impacted by their global experiences.
The discussion will explore how various international experiences – from summer programs at British universities to faculty-led trips to Spain, or extended teaching positions in Japan – continue to influence participants’ life and career decisions.
Registration for the evening session will be available in September at clintonfoundation.org/events.
Partnership and Sponsorship
This initiative represents a collaborative effort between multiple organizations committed to expanding international education access:
- Arkansas Chapter of the Fulbright Association
- Clinton Presidential Center
- Little Rock Public School District
- Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas
- Worldstrides
- Creative Planning Foundation
- Entergy Arkansas
Impact and Objectives
The Youth Summit aims to connect high school students with concrete pathways to international experience while addressing practical concerns about funding and preparation. By bringing together scholarship recipients, program administrators, and educational institutions, the event provides comprehensive support for students considering international education opportunities.
The program addresses the critical need for global competency development among Arkansas students while highlighting the various scholarship and funding mechanisms that make international experiences accessible regardless of economic background.