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Bridging Domestic and Global Diversity:
A Training Program for Student Leaders

"The Bridge"

The Bridge program was developed and will be facilitated jointly by International Programs’ Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) and its Office of Study Abroad (OfSA), the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity (EOD), the University Counseling Service (UCS), Center for Diversity and Enrichment (CDE), the Career Center in the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, and the Office of Student Life (OSL).

This program brings together domestic students from diverse backgrounds (African American and Asian American students, Latino/a students, Native American students, etc.) and international students from over one hundred countries. Should you decide to apply and be accepted, you will be one of 20-25 UI students with exceptional leadership skills to receive intercultural and diversity training. You will also help plan the third Domestic and Global Diversity Forum for campus next spring. While the program will measure the development of your intercultural competency with a tool that can translate it into valuable training for your career, you will also receive a Bridge program certificate, and will be rewarded with a special recognition celebration at the completion of the program. Our offices may also serve as references for your future job applications.

Participants in last fall’s Domestic and Global Diversity Forum said:

  • "I have learned that I have to take charge in promoting diversity."
  • "It has given me renewed energy and focus."
  • "We need to communicate and collaborate with other groups."
  • "I learned a lot from the very real conversations I had with others."

The Bridge application deadline is October 30 and the finalists will be invited to both an individual and a group interview. If you are selected via this two part process, you will be required to attend the following training sessions:

  • Introductory/Welcome Program – Jan. 29th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • DMIS/IDI Training – Feb. 12th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Intercultural Training – March 5th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Leadership Training – March 26th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Open Forum – April 9th from 3:00 to 5:00 PM
  • Certificate Ceremony – May 2nd from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

    • Bridge Program Application

    Bridge Program Benefits and Responsibilities

For more information, contact Helen Jameson at (319) 335-3584 or at Helen-jameson@uiowa.edu