Fort Worth, TX – Sister Cities provides unique opportunity for students

Since 1990, The Harashin Co. of Nagaoka, Japan has funded scholarships for eight Fort Worth students and two teachers to travel there for an educational and cultural enrichment experience. In return, the families of these Fort Worth students host students and teachers from Nagaoka in their homes.

This program and all the scholarships have been funded by the Hara family and Harashin Co. Ltd. of Nagaoka. For 33 years, it is estimated that over $2 million has been generously donated benefiting Fort Worth families.

Fort Worth Harashin scholars include Laila Abu Tobeh, Julieta Almanza, Anjali Ferguson, Dorothea Hart, Alexandra Rodriguez, Jonathan Pulido, and Ian Valderas; and will be led by Delegation Leaders Kimberly Kowalski and Dimanche Brewer.

“Exchange programs are a key element in the overall programs of Fort Worth Sister Cities and this unique opportunity for students is no exception,” said Greg Jackson, Chairman of Fort Worth Sister Cities International. The students depart July 26 for a 10-day exchange and the Japanese students will be in Fort Worth Aug. 8-17.

All student applicants (grades 9-11) 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.

Exchanges with each of Fort Worth’s nine sister cities provide youth the opportunity to spend time with an international host family and experience their history, culture and customs. These students become citizen diplomats through this program. It gives them a better understanding of other cultures providing them an international education only these programs can offer.

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