Institute on Women's Leadership

Study of U.S. Institutes

The Study of the United States Institute (SUSI) on Women's Leadership is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). ECA’s mission is "to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly and peaceful relations."

Students from 2016 Women's Leadership Institute wear their traditional regalia

Study of the United States Institutes (SUSIs) are intensive academic programs with the purpose of facilitating in undergraduate student leaders a deeper understanding of the United States, while at the same time enhancing their leadership skills.

Participants are outstanding and highly motivated undergraduates, typically in their junior year at university, who have demonstrated leadership through academic work, community involvement, and extracurricular activities. They are selected by the respective US Embassies after a rigorous interview process which identifies students with the potential to become future leaders in society as much as in their chosen careers.

Local site visits and educational travel within Washington State and to the national capital provide opportunities to observe varied aspects of American life as well as opportunities to discuss issues raised in the academic program.  Participants also meet and interact with American citizens from a variety of backgrounds and stay with host families, enjoying this unique aspect of the GRC Institute and the benefits it provides.

Program Highlights

A circle of hands. 2015 SUSI participants.

Themes & Goals

Themes & Goals

The Green River College themes will be: Leadership for Social Change, Women’s Economic Empowerment, and U.S. Society and Culture.

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SUSI 2015 participant posing with statue of George Washington at Olympia Capitol Building

Leadership in Action

Leadership in Action

Green River will prepare participants for off-campus activities by introducing them to a new paradigm of leadership that challenges them to "see and act differently."

See Leadership Page
SUSI students working at food bank

Community Service

Community Service

The four-week SUSI academic residency at Green River will include visits to local not-for-profit organizations whose mission and activities are relevant to the academic program.

Learn About Program
Photo of students with follow-on project

Follow-on Projects

Follow-on Projects

Participants are encouraged to develop social service follow-on projects for implementation upon their return to their home countries.

Learn About Projects
an image of the United States flaglogo for the United States Department of StateLogo for Study of the U.S. Institutes

This is a program of the U.S. Department of State, administered by Green River College.