As a kid who grew up in rural Kentucky, sometimes homeless and consistently poor, I never thought I would have the opportunity to travel within the United States,...
Category: Alumni
![[Alumni Reflection] Colmon Elridge: “I left a chunk of my heart with the people of Tunisia”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
![[Alumni Reflection] Holly Chisa: Ancient Country at a Modern Crossroads](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
The moment I knew we were somewhere different came at dinner about a week into our exchange. We were eating in a small room in the back of...
![[Alumni Reflection] Katie Loovis: “Your head might hurt, but your heart will be full”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
Complex. That’s how I often describe Israel and the West Bank. There are religious, political, economic, geographic, cultural, and social layers that make me believe this is...
![[Alumni Reflection] Clay Middleton: “Building tolerance and increasing understanding”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
Being selected as a delegate to the West Bank and Israel in 2012 with the ACYPL provided me with great exposure to a culture and perspective that...

Through ACYPL, Htoo Kyaw Win got the opportunity to share with President Obama how ACYPL changed his life and work in Myanmar. That’s not the only thing we were...
![[US to Hungary + Croatia ’15] Donalyn Dela Cruz: “Admitting Day”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
August 21, 2015 marked another Admissions Day in Hawaii. It’s a State recognized holiday that isn’t celebrated due to its storied past. In 1959, when we joined the Union, there...
![[US to Argentina ’15] Andrew Kovalcin: “11 Things You Should Know About Argentina”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
One might think of Argentina as just another country in South America but it’s much more than that. Aside from the beautiful landscape and the acclaimed wines,...
![[US to Australia ’13] Megan Jones: “Connecting Iowans and Australians”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
It is no secret I love my home state of Iowa. I came to Australia naïve about the connection my home state would have with this beautiful country....
![[Professional Fellows Program spring ’15]: Aushim Merchant: “Redefining my world view”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
My Professional Fellows Program (PFP) experience is more than just a cherished memory– it is also a distinct part of who I am today. One of my most...
![[US to China 2013]: Natalie Joubert: “Reflecting on my ACYPL experience”](https://www.acypl.org/wp-content/themes/acypl/images/Global-Image.png)
It’s been two years since I traveled with ACYPL as part of the delegation to China, but the experience remains one of the more remarkable, fascinating journeys of...
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2021 In Review
While COVID-19 continued to impact the world and our work in 2021, the ACYPL team worked year-round to continue giving emerging leaders a global perspective. ACYPL celebrated our...
VIEW DETAILSAlumni Reflection: Ulfa Mubarika (PFP 2019)
I would like to inform you that the ultimate goal of my micro-grant project “Pakem Indonesia” has been achieved! Pakem Indonesia is integrated program that combines strengthening the...
VIEW DETAILSACYPL Virtual Programs 2020
With the launch of so much new programming, here is a snapshot of our work in 2020. This year ACYPL programs look a little different – but as...
VIEW DETAILSAlumni Reflection: Candace Gerritsen (Vietnam 2019)
Professional Fellows Program to Vietnam Reflection by Candace Gerritsen, October 2019 The Illinois Chamber hosted a Fellow from the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) Program in...
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