For 73 years, Italy and the The Fulbright Program have worked together to share knowledge across communities and shape a more positive vision of the world beyond stereotypes. Over 10.000 alumni have crossed the ocean to promote cultural exchanges between institutions and people of the U.S. and Italy. Since its start, alumni have been pioneers in their research fields starting new areas of study in Italy upon return.

The Commission promotes a number of innovative and inclusive programs that have widened the impact of the Fulbright program such as the Deafness Program. English Teaching Assistants contribute to opening up opportunities for high school students in their local communities by advancing their English skills.

The Fulbright-Fondazione Falcone-NIAF award supports the promotion of the rule of law.

Fulbright Alumni are increasingly committed to giving back to their communities: recently an Italian alumna has been a part of a group that participated in a COVID vaccine trial, and many others on both sides of the ocean are contributing to the fight against COVID-19 in a variety of fields.

In celebration of Fulbright75, Italy will host 3 days of special activities to mark this momentous occasion in the program’s history.

1) “Identity and searching for black lives in the archives in the words of LaNitra Berger and Maaza Mengiste”, November 9th, 12pm EST
A conversation between LaNitra Berger, senior director of fellowships in the Office of Undergraduate Education at George Mason University, and NAFSA Board Member, and Maaza Mengiste, Fulbright Alumna and author of the book "The Shadow King". Click here to join the event: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87113475749 

2) "Annual meeting of US and IT grantees", November 18th
This event will focus on diversity in Italy with the participation of Fulbright Alumni who have studied diversity, inclusiveness, and migration in Italy. This event will be added to the celebrations that the Italian Embassy in Washington has organized to mark the 160th Anniversary of Diplomatic Italian-American relations.

3) “Fighting pandemics. The contribution of the Fulbright program in Italy to the battle against Covid 19”, December 3rd, The Embassy of Italy in Washington DC
Selected stories of U.S. and Italian Fulbrighters about how they contributed scientifically but also in other ways (such as volunteering or producing artwork, etc.) will be shared with the Fulbright community.