Legacy International Program Impact Report January 2022 – December 2024
Legacy International equips emerging leaders to transform
their values and vision into sustainable success.
The past few years at Legacy International have been a journey of inspiration, resilience, growth, and impact.
We’ve embraced bold ideas, navigated challenges, extended our reach, and witnessed the transformative power of cross-cultural connection and innovation. Through the unwavering dedication of our staff, the support of our global partners, the generosity of U.S. hosts, and the boundless energy of the exchange partners, we experience the potential within each of us to create meaningful change. We are honored to administer these important educational exchanges sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
The report below captures not just the milestones reached and numbers achieved, but the stories that bring our mission to life. It’s a snapshot of how, together, we are creating a legacy of innovation and leadership — bridging communities around the world and turning vision into transformative action.
Welcome to the story of our impact at Legacy International.
Reflecting on Our Legacy
Celebrating 45 Years of Legacy International
For forty-five years, Legacy has brought visionary people from all across the world together in an effort to create a future where dignity, respect, innovation, and prosperity can prevail: staff, trainers, funders, host families, partner organizations, and participants themselves.
This year I had the privilege of accompanying 128 aspiring young women scientists from around the globe to NASA Goddard Space Center where they were welcomed by future colleagues encouraging them to pursue their dreams of helping to run missions on the moon or build the next space telescope. I listened while young leaders from Cyprus planned actions to bridge the gap dividing their own communities, and reported on ambitious programs they ran to reduce bullying, teach first aid, and open educational opportunities to all.
I witnessed mid-career professionals describe new methods they invented to run their businesses after learning side by side with colleagues from another part of the globe. In a world so strained by division, Legacy’s work affirms and strengthens our ability to work together to invent the future – tying the legacy of the past to the birth of a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you for being part of this effort through your support, interest, and participation.
Shanti Thompson
Executive Vice President
countries
youth participants
adult participants
Promoting mutual understanding, the exchange experiences included US citizens from across the country, engaging
2,101
direct hosts
465
volunteers & speakers
Through small mini-grants and mentoring, participants apply lessons learned via community projects, positively touching the lives of
49,679+
people
Creating A Legacy Of Female Stem Leaders
As opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) continue to expand around the world, Legacy is committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women in these fields through programs like TechGirls. From its inception in 2012, TechGirls has aimed to equip girls from all backgrounds to help shape the future of technological innovation. From 2022 to 2024, the TechGirls program guided 390 young women from 43 countries in 6 regions towards achieving their dreams of excelling within the global STEM landscape.
This robust program includes a 23-day program in the USA and 7 months of mentoring pre- and post-program. Partners include Local Engagement Coordinators in each country, Virginia Tech, and community organizations in Austin, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City and Seattle.
I have always loved technology, that’s for sure, but it was never my plan to pursue a career in the field. But after my experience in the US, I became more confident about myself that if I work hard, I can do it and that I am not alone. I have people who have my back and I’m not scared to move in the direction of my dreams. From the in-person experience to coming back home and organizing my own event, I had a boost of self-confidence, from being just me to being an example for others and a role model. All of this is because of my experience as a TechGirl. Student 2023 Cameroon
2022-2024 Statistics
Programs administered
Countries Engaged
US TechGirls
26,906
People Impacted by Community Project Efforts
Sophie's Story
Sophie from the U.S. immersed herself in computer programming classes at TechGirls, where she learned about everything from website creation to creative applications of tech in music making and beyond. This experience ignited her passion for empowering girls in STEM with tech knowledge and skills. She founded “Create, Code, Conquer,” a coding club for middle schoolers in her community. Through the interactive workshops she designs and leads, Sophie not only teaches coding basics but also inspires students to see themselves as future tech leaders. Now, she’s scaling her efforts to reach and empower even more young women to break barriers and lead in technology.
Creating A Legacy Of Economic Empowerment
Legacy International is committed to promoting entrepreneurship, workforce development, and leadership development in the MENA region through programs like the Professional Fellows Program (PFP). Between September 2022 and June 2024, 4 cohorts of fellows enjoyed fellowships and cross-cultural collaboration in Austin, Detroit and Washington D.C.
The Professional Fellows Program brings inspiring leaders from Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco and Tunisia together to build dynamic initiatives to their region. Through the generosity of over 70 US organizations, they dig deep into US cultural contexts of economic development and then collaborate with each other to envision practical applications for their home communities.
Participating in PFP has been pivotal for both my personal and professional growth. On a personal level, I enhanced my communication skills by actively participating in cross-cultural groups and facilitating discussions on community empowerment. Professionally, I significantly expanded my network through interactions with fellow participants and staff from the host organization...PFP has provided me with invaluable skills and experiences that continue to positively shape my career trajectory. Lora Thebian, PFP Fellow from Lebanon
PFP is a reciprocal exchange allowing 16 US fellowships hosts the unique opportunity to travel abroad to experience the work of the amazing entrepreneurs.
This was a fantastic experience! Our fellow was an absolute joy and so helpful. He did an outstanding job of jumping into our complicated ecosystem of programs and people. He meaningfully contributed to our different programs and projects. He helped us see our programs in a new light, asked us critical questions, trained us on AI apps, helped us make a logo and MOU. The list goes on! He was so kind, fun, extremely intelligent and helpful. Kerstin Johansson, Fellowship Host from Austin, Texas, Green Workforce Collaborative & Austin Civilian Conservation Corps
2022-2024 Statistics
Programs administered
Countries Engaged
US Fellows
70
9,500
Chaimae's Story
Chaimae enjoyed her fellowship at the University of Texas Austin. She was immersed in projects that enriched her understanding of entrepreneurship and work culture in the U.S., Chaimae returned home to launch an initiative aimed at empowering young Moroccan entrepreneurs through personalized trainings, university workshops, and collaborations with NGOs and public institutions. She is now focused on scaling her initiative to create even more opportunities for Moroccan youth. Her mentor, Ruben Cantú, was selected for the Outbound Program to visit Morocco, where they have already planned university visits to further develop their program and strengthen the relationship between the U.S. and Morocco.
Creating A Legacy Of Global Youth Leadership
Legacy International is committed to fostering the next generation of youth changemakers around the world through programs like the On-Demand Youth Leadership Program. Between Fall 2022 and December 2024, 7 cohorts of young leaders from all around the world joined the ODYLP program to learn about topics ranging from clean energy to digital literacy to volunteerism.
Each ODYLP program is uniquely designed to address global needs, with all programs featuring a three-week immersive experience in the United States. Participants and adult mentors engage in dynamic youth leadership workshops, relevant site visits, inspiring guest speakers, hands-on community service, and gain exposure to positive civic engagement practices. This transformative cultural exchange equips them with skills they bring home, where they each develop and lead a community project to make a positive impact.
Through ODYLP, I learned that "acting locally is how you make a dent globally. When you have this amount of people volunteering to help and trying to make a positive impact, you spark the fire in others, too. As we say in Georgia, power is in unity. When the ODYLP team and I committed to community service, I understood just how much impact I am making in the lives of others who need help. So, when you start locally, slowly but surely the world will be a better place. Student from the Republic of Georgia
2022-2024 Statistics
Programs administered
Countries Engaged
8,478
Levi's Story
Following his ODYLP experience, Levi, from Uganda, founded the Young Environmental Volunteering Association to address environmental challenges in his community. Learning about climate initiatives and participating in hands-on environmental service fueled his passion for making a difference and played a pivotal role in his admission to Stetson University. Now pursuing a major in Computer Science with a minor in Environmental Studies, Levi is combining his love for technology with his commitment to combating climate change.
Creating A Legacy Of Social Entrepreneurship
Legacy International is committed to promoting social entrepreneurship and has enjoyed working with the US Embassy Riyadh on the Saudi Youth Leadership Exchange Program since 2014. In 2022, as the world emerged from the pandemic, we began the US based exchange again.
76 young Saudi professionals (aged 21-27) and 7 US Cultural Ambassadors engaged in this multi-phase program which included a three-week U.S.-based exchange, a six-month community innovation project phase in Saudi Arabia, and an alumni conference. The program’s cornerstone was its emphasis on real-world impact through community innovation projects, which addressed local community needs and showcased participants’ dedication to social responsibility.
The skills I gained during SYLEP and the ones that I had the chance to sharpen during the program have opened up many things in my life. For example, I landed a new job that I would consider as the dream job. When they reached out to me, they told me that out of 3,000 applicants, I got the highest score and evaluation, even before I officially graduated. This was all based on my journey of learning and participation in SYLEP, my Community Innovation Project, and the soft skills that I learned during SYLEP. All SYLEP activities and aspects impacted my whole life in a very positive way. Alum 2022
2022-2023 Statistics
Participants
9,500
Joud's Story
Joud Khateb, a professional with a background in industrial engineering, participated in SYLEP 2023. Joub utilized his time in the SYLEP program to develop soft skills, which he says increased his ability to compete within his local job market. With the insight and development that he experienced during the SYLEP program, Joub took several training models back home and has become a leader in this field.
CREATING A LEGACY OF COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS
Our work at Legacy International is made possible through the power of collaboration with a diverse network of dedicated partners, ranging from Global Ties organizations and nonprofits to corporate allies, individuals, families, government agencies, educational institutions, consultants, and more. Each partnership fuels our mission to create impactful, sustainable change worldwide. Together we promote mutual understanding and create a global network of people committed to innovation and leadership.
Commitments To Our Legacy:
A Vision Of Growth And Impact
As Legacy International reflects on its journey and impact, we recognize that staying true to our mission means continuously evolving and adapting to meet the needs of our ever-changing world. Our vision to meet these needs includes the following commitments:
- A commitment to innovative and holistic leadership development
- A commitment to inclusive and equitable practices
- A commitment to community-centric impact
- A commitment to technological integration
- A commitment to social, economic, and environmental sustainability
- A commitment to increased global partnerships
- A commitment to long lasting relationships with alumni
As Legacy International moves forward, these commitments will guide our path toward an even greater impact. Together, with our partners, participants, and supporters, we look ahead with optimism and determination, ready to continue building a legacy of hope with respect as the standard of human interaction.
Want to learn more about our history?
Glance at our impressive history of programs.
Legacy International Programs:
