TOURISM OFFICIALS FROM INDONESIA VISITING FORT WORTH

Fort Worth, Texas — Bandung officials in Fort Worth to Promote Sister City

As part of a reciprocal exchange between Fort Worth and its sister city, Bandung,  Indonesia, 16 Indonesian tourism and promotion officials and performers will visit Fort Worth August 24—27. Bob Jameson, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and CVB board chair Gary Brinkley, will meet with the group to discuss mutually beneficial programs to promote tourism in both cities.  8.2 million international visitors come to Texas each year generating $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenues according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism. The delegation will not only discuss ways to increase visitors between the two cities but will visit local sites and attractions in Fort Worth including the cultural district and Stockyards. A special performance by traditional Indonesian dancers accompanying the delegation will take place on the stage at Sundance Square Plaza on Tuesday, August 26 at noon.  This performance will be free and open to the public. Did you receive an invitation to the Welcome Reception at Joe T. Garcia – Villa Room?  Buy your tickets here. This exchange is the result of a reciprocal program which began last year when a Fort Worth   delegation visited Bandung to promote Fort Worth.  Board Chairwoman Ann Rice and Bandung City Chair Mary Alyce Zimmerman (now chaired by Nancy Lopez) led the delegation meeting with city officials sharing the Texas culture and to invite visitors to Fort Worth. Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia.   Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990.  Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and    professional training programs in Municipal waster water, security and waste  management and several business  connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin. More Pictures from Visit

2014-08-01 08:00

TOURISM OFFICIALS FROM INDONESIA VISITING FORT WORTH

Fort Worth, Texas — Bandung officials in Fort Worth to Promote Sister City

As part of a reciprocal exchange between Fort Worth and its sister city, Bandung,  Indonesia, 16 Indonesian tourism and promotion officials and performers will visit Fort Worth August 24—27. Bob Jameson, President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau and CVB board chair Gary Brinkley, will meet with the group to discuss mutually beneficial programs to promote tourism in both cities.  8.2 million international visitors come to Texas each year generating $4.7 billion in state and local tax revenues according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism. The delegation will not only discuss ways to increase visitors between the two cities but will visit local sites and attractions in Fort Worth including the cultural district and Stockyards. A special performance by traditional Indonesian dancers accompanying the delegation will take place on the stage at Sundance Square Plaza on Tuesday, August 26 at noon.  This performance will be free and open to the public. Did you receive an invitation to the Welcome Reception at Joe T. Garcia – Villa Room?  Buy your tickets here. This exchange is the result of a reciprocal program which began last year when a Fort Worth   delegation visited Bandung to promote Fort Worth.  Board Chairwoman Ann Rice and Bandung City Chair Mary Alyce Zimmerman (now chaired by Nancy Lopez) led the delegation meeting with city officials sharing the Texas culture and to invite visitors to Fort Worth. Fort Worth has the distinction of being the first U.S. city to partner with a city in Indonesia.   Bandung was signed as Fort Worth’s 5th official sister city in 1990.  Since that time exchanges have included university-based nursing programs, educational and    professional training programs in Municipal waster water, security and waste  management and several business  connections initiated by Pier 1 Imports, Bell Helicopter and Lockheed Martin.
More Pictures from Visit

Sister Cities International Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Nagaoka, Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for nine Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka.  Over nearly 25 years of this program, it is estimated that nearly $2 million has been generously donated. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students departed July 27 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth August 8. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Harashin scholars include: Reese Eller, Victoria Koshevarova, Rayni Lee, Kenneth McCleveland, Bogdana Oliynyk, Shannon Owings,Le’Shawn Palmer,  Xavier Thompson, Lauren Titsworth and delegation leaders Pam Lea and Vicki Delgado. Join Our Mailing List to Find Out About Upcoming Exchanges

2014-07-27 10:10

Sister Cities International Ambassadors Visit Japan

Fort Worth, TX – Students to Nagaoka, Japan to represent U.S. as goodwill ambassadors

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for nine Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment exchange. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes for a reciprocal exchange. This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka.  Over nearly 25 years of this program, it is estimated that nearly $2 million has been generously donated. Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities International and this unique opportunity for Fort Worth students is no exception. The students departed July 27 for a week long exchange and the Japanese students will arrive in Fort Worth August 8. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives students a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer. All student applicants (8-12th) participate in a vigorous selection process including teacher recommendations, essays and personal interviews. The Harashin Scholars are required to attend monthly cultural orientations to further enrich their international experience and prepare them for the exchange. Harashin scholars include: Reese Eller, Victoria Koshevarova, Rayni Lee, Kenneth McCleveland, Bogdana Oliynyk, Shannon Owings,Le’Shawn Palmer,  Xavier Thompson, Lauren Titsworth and delegation leaders Pam Lea and Vicki Delgado.
Join Our Mailing List to Find Out About Upcoming Exchanges

Students learn about entrepreneurship at local academies

Fort Worth, TX: Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, over 100   participants will converge at TCU July 19 – Aug. 3 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership and its role in social entrepreneurship. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, China, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth and a community service project. This year marks the 10th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 14—18. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school   counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Toluca, Mexico and Hanoi, Vietnam,  to gain an international perspective.
“These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.
The closing ceremonies take place on Aug. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public  

2014-06-26 03:13

Students learn about entrepreneurship at local academies

Fort Worth, TX: Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, Theme of Sister Cities Leadership Academies Since 1989, the award-winning International Leadership Academy (ILA) has brought young people from Fort Worth’s sister cities to the area to discuss pressing global issues. This year, over 100   participants will converge at TCU July 19 – Aug. 3 to share their cultures and learn more about leadership and its role in social entrepreneurship. Students from Fort Worth, Italy, Germany, Japan, Hungary, China, Mexico, Swaziland, and Indonesia will be in Fort Worth for this two week program. The Academy’s goal is to increase communication and leadership skills through teambuilding, problem-solving, and sharing cultures. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include visits to area businesses, museums, and other cultural venues specific to Fort Worth and a community service project. This year marks the 10th year of ILA’s middle school program, Jr. International Leadership Academy (JILA) held at McLean 6th Grade campus July 14—18. College students from Toluca, Mexico will serve as facilitators, as the Fort Worth students discuss the same issues as their high school   counterparts. The students will experience cultural presentations and interaction with high school students from Toluca, Mexico and Hanoi, Vietnam,  to gain an international perspective.

“These students will be challenged to improve and refine their leadership skills and learn how diverse cultures can support common goals. It’s a tremendous opportunity for personal growth,” said Nancy Marchant, ILA and JILA Coordinator.
The closing ceremonies take place on Aug. 2nd, 10:00 a.m. at TCU’s Ed Landreth Auditorium and are open to the public  

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

2014-06-24 09:26

SISTER CITIES PARTNERING WITH FWISD ON SPANISH IMMERSION SUMMER CAMP

Fort Worth, Texas — Local students receiving Spanish Enrichment training Fort Worth Sister Cities welcomes 10 university students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University June 20—July 5 for a new program with the Fort Worth ISD — the  Spanish Immersion Summer Camp.  The Toluca students will act as international facilitators for the two-week camp. This is the first time for this Spanish enrichment program with the World Languages Institute (WLI), a new secondary school focusing on Dual Language Enrichment and Spanish Immersion programs. WLI students study Spanish and English by taking courses in both languages, and have the opportunity to study a third or fourth language.  Students will graduate from WLI multilingual and multicultural, a perfect match for the marketplace that awaits them. “As a bilingual instructional leader, I would like to inspire the staff, the students and the community to view bilingualism as the light of the world,” said Guadalupe Barreto, principal of the newly formed World Languages Institute. All Toluca facilitators and educators will be home hosted by local families from the WLI in order to give them a glimpse into American life and to give the hosting families more exposure to Spanish from native speakers.  While here the group from Toluca will also have an opportunity to explore cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality. Toluca, Mexico is Fort Worth’s closest Sister City.   Signed in 1998, this partnership has resulted in many exciting programs such as: middle and high school-to-school partnerships including the Model U.N. program; municipal and economic forums; monarch butterfly  tourism exchange; culture, language and mentoring programs; a medical school intern program; and City of Fort Worth Police Department training program.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities This summer 45 students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Guiyang, China; a Service Adventure to Mbabane, Swaziland; and Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family,  attend schools, meet other adults in their profession, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of the world and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. creating beneficial connections for Fort Worth. “Fort Worth’s student ambassadors have the unique experience of being welcomed as family members for home stays.  This gives them the opportunity to “live” the culture of the city they’re visiting on a daily basis.  Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Nancy Marchant, delegation leader to Mbabane, Swaziland. The Mbabane group is planning a visit to a newly opened Health & Social Center built by Fort Worth through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing. The Japanese group will experience home stays and share their culture with elementary and middle school students. The students visiting China will experience community service work in the minority villages near Guiyang.

2014-05-29 09:33

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to China, Japan and Swaziland

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 3 Sister Cities This summer 45 students and leaders are visiting three of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Guiyang, China; a Service Adventure to Mbabane, Swaziland; and Nagaoka, Japan. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family,  attend schools, meet other adults in their profession, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of the world and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. creating beneficial connections for Fort Worth. “Fort Worth’s student ambassadors have the unique experience of being welcomed as family members for home stays.  This gives them the opportunity to “live” the culture of the city they’re visiting on a daily basis.  Students learn how the culture works — out of the spotlight, away from tourist sites.  What an amazing way to gain a global perspective,” said Nancy Marchant, delegation leader to Mbabane, Swaziland. The Mbabane group is planning a visit to a newly opened Health & Social Center built by Fort Worth through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and will meet the U.S. Ambassador to Swaziland for a special briefing. The Japanese group will experience home stays and share their culture with elementary and middle school students. The students visiting China will experience community service work in the minority villages near Guiyang.

Final Youth Ambassadors’ Orientation Prior to Summer Exchanges

Student and adult Ambassadors are busy preparing for their summer exchanges. Delegations are departing for Guiyang and Beijing, China; Mbabane, Swaziland and Johannesburg, South Africa; and Nagaoka and Tokyo, Japan for both the June and Harashin exchanges. All students and a parent are asked to attend the final orientation meeting on Sunday, May 18th. See calendar for details.

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

2014-03-18 02:20

Local School Hosting Students From Indonesia

WESTERN HILLS HIGH SCHOOL NAMED SISTER CITIES AMBASSADOR SCHOOL

Fort Worth, TX — School hosting students from Bandung, Indonesia Western Hills High School was selected as a 2014 Ambassador School by Fort Worth Sister Cities and is hosting students from Bandung High School #5 in Indonesia.  Fifteen students and two educators are in Fort Worth March 17th– 29th. This is the first year of a two-year Ambassador School Program with Western Hills High School. While in Fort Worth, the Indonesian students are being home hosted by students and  families from Western Hills High School and attend classes with their host brothers and sisters. They experiencing Fort Worth’s culture by visiting the Stockyards, the cultural district, the Botanical Research Institute and the Museum of Science and History. Due to a longtime partnership with Sister Cities, Kids Who Care will also conduct a theater workshop for the students. In partnership with the Fort Worth Public Library, the Indonesia students will participate in a community service project by sharing their culture with the children at one of the library branches.  “This is a unique opportunity for Fort Worth children to learn more about other parts of the world.  This will open their eyes and show them the value of diversity,” said Ann Rice, Chairwoman of the Board. The Indonesian principal and vice principal are joining the group for the first two days of the exchange to experience the school program first hand.  While here they are visiting with the organizers of Sister Cities’ International Leadership Academy, Fort Worth’s two-week summer global issues program held on the TCU campus, to prepare for recruitment of their students.

Engineering Students From Toluca, Mexico in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Students visiting local companies on mentorship program Sister Cities will welcome 12 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University April 10-18 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 6th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including BNSF Railways, Bell Helicopter, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, TCU, the UTA Robotics Institute and Formula One Race Car lab, Cowboys Stadium, UNT Health Science Center’s Forensics department and Human Movement lab, Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, DFW International Airport, XTO Energy, Oncor, and Rahr Brewery. There are two groups of students from Toluca experiencing separate but concurrent exchanges;  students studying biotechnical engineering specifically and students studying all areas of engineering including automotive, mechanical, electrical and more. The students  are here to learn about careers they might choose in the field of  engineering, as well as enhancing their academic experiences, as this exchange is considered a special class project for each student. All students and educators will be home hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities host families in order to give them a glimpse into American life.  While here they will also have an opportunity to explore   cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Several events are planned to welcome them along with the new mayor of Toluca and other distinguished guests visiting during the Main Street Arts Festival.  Events and ticket information can be found online at www.fwsistercities.org. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

2014-03-13 11:34

Engineering Students From Toluca, Mexico in Fort Worth

Fort Worth, TX – Students visiting local companies on mentorship program Sister Cities will welcome 12 engineering students and 2 educators from Toluca, Mexico’s Tec de Monterrey University April 10-18 for a unique engineering mentorship program.  Toluca has been Fort Worth’s sister city since 1998 and this is the 6th year of this engineering program. The students are visiting area corporations including BNSF Railways, Bell Helicopter, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, TCU, the UTA Robotics Institute and Formula One Race Car lab, Cowboys Stadium, UNT Health Science Center’s Forensics department and Human Movement lab, Fort Worth Police Department Crime Lab, DFW International Airport, XTO Energy, Oncor, and Rahr Brewery. There are two groups of students from Toluca experiencing separate but concurrent exchanges;  students studying biotechnical engineering specifically and students studying all areas of engineering including automotive, mechanical, electrical and more. The students  are here to learn about careers they might choose in the field of  engineering, as well as enhancing their academic experiences, as this exchange is considered a special class project for each student. All students and educators will be home hosted by Fort Worth Sister Cities host families in order to give them a glimpse into American life.  While here they will also have an opportunity to explore   cultural attractions and experience true Texas hospitality.  Several events are planned to welcome them along with the new mayor of Toluca and other distinguished guests visiting during the Main Street Arts Festival.  Events and ticket information can be found online at www.fwsistercities.org. Sister Cities thanks all the businesses, universities, and host families for their generosity and hospitality during this program.

Fort Worth Ambassadors Travel to Hungary and Italy

Fort Worth, Texas – Sister Cities sends goodwill ambassadors to 2 Sister Cities Exchange programs are what it’s all about for Fort Worth Sister Cities. Next week student delegations are visiting two of Fort Worth’s eight sister cities including Reggio Emilia, Italy and Budapest, Hungary. Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s sister cities provide youth, and adults the opportunity to spend 9-15 days with an international host family, meet other adults in their profession, attend schools, make presentations about Texas and the United States and experience the local history, culture and customs. This is done as citizen diplomats and gives participants a better understanding of other cultures and gives the host cities a better understanding of the U.S. “Students and adults who participate in outbound exchanges experience personal growth, expand their capacity to understand the world as seen through the eyes of others, and gain an appreciation of the interconnectedness of all humans regardless of geographical          location,” said Sister Cities board member and Exchanges Chair, Dr. Staussa Ervin. A complete list of Student Ambassadors and the schools they represent is attached or can be accessed here.

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.

2014-02-11 01:00

Students Apply Now for International Leadership Academy

FORT WORTH, TX  –  Applications now available The 2014 International Leadership Academy (ILA), themed Social Ventures—Investing in Peace, will take place July 19—August 3 at TCU. High school students (grades 9-12) are invited to attend. Applications can be downloaded on the Fort Worth Sister Cities website. Participants will live on the TCU campus, and share a room with students from another country. They will attend classes that are designed to challenge stereotypes, highlight cultures, promote diplomatic dialogue, develop leadership skills, and solve global problems.  Activities will also include field trips to local museums, the Fort Worth Stockyards and a community service project. This unique youth leadership program promotes global understanding by building friendships and creating awareness of international issues.  Since 1989, this award-winning program has brought young people from Fort Worth’s eight sister cities to the area for leadership training. Middle school students are invited to attend the Jr. International Leadership Academy taking place July 14—18. Applications are also available online and will be accepted through April 21st. A full description of ILA and JILA, along with application information, is available at https://www.fwsistercities.org/programs/international-leadership-academy . For more information, individuals should contact Beth Weibel, Sr. Program Manager at (817) 632-7105 or email.