Academy for Future International Leaders

The Academy for Future International Leaders is a year-long interdisciplinary program in which undergraduates gain an in-depth learning experience about global issues. The Association provides funding to the academy.

One of the academy’s recent graduates, Collin Laden ’10, wrote a letter of appreciation: “I
was honored to be a recipient of the Academy of Future International Leaders’ stipend that was generously provided by The Association of Former Students. I would like to take this time to convey my upmost appreciation for the investment that you placed in my international endeavors. The stipend allowed
me the opportunity to travel to the Texas A&M Soltis Center for Research and Education in Costa Rica during the 2010 spring break. It assisted with my travel and in-country expenses, allowing my AFIL partner and me to dedicate our focus and energies on our International Leadership Challenge Project. Through the Aggie Network, my AFIL partner and I successfully developed the Texas Aggies Mentoring Computer Education program. I, along with my AFIL partner, had the opportunity to create service-learning experiences for Texas A&M students to work with the Soltis Center for Research and Education and the Costa Rica government and community to enhance the computer literacy of the Costa Rican society while at the same time developing international communication and education skills of Aggies.

“I cannot emphasize enough the benefits of development and empowerment this gave my partner and the many others from the Academy of Future International Leaders who had the opportunity to venture beyond the Texas A&M classrooms in College Station to the educational experiences that exist across the globe.

“Again, thank you for your investment to challenge our minds as young people through international experiences and the opportunity to broaden our global horizons. The return on your investment is one that will push others and me for a better world for our tomorrow.”