Bowie State University Receives Grant to Expand Student Opportunities Through Japan-U.S. Partnership

Bowie, Md. - Bowie State University has received a $10,000 planning grant from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission to explore a new institutional partnership and expand global engagement opportunities for students. Funding will support Bowie State's efforts to develop a collaboration with the commission's Summer Institute and strengthen academic and cultural exchanges between the United States and Japan.

"This partnership reflects Bowie State University's commitment to preparing students to succeed in a global workforce," said Dr. Horacio Sierra, project director and professor in the College of Arts & Sciences. "By expanding opportunities for international collaboration and cross-cultural learning, we are equipping our students with the knowledge, perspective and leadership skills needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world."

This marks the second time Bowie State has received funding from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission. An initial seed grant awarded in 2022 helped establish the university's Japanese language curriculum. As a result, students can now complete the full four-course modern languages sequence in Japanese, expanding their global academic and career opportunities. The initiative is expected to serve students across multiple disciplines, including business, education, technology and the humanities.

As part of the initiative, Bowie State will launch a series of Japanese culture appreciation programs during the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters. These events will connect students with international scholars, cultural leaders and professionals while introducing academic and career pathways tied to global engagement.

The programming will feature guest speakers from organizations such as the Embassy of Japan, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, and national organizations focused on strengthening Black engagement with Asia. Workshops and activities will offer hands-on experiences in language, culture and global career pathways, with a focus on preparing students to participate in future Summer Institute programs.

One of the featured events, a Japanese Culture Appreciation Day, will be held on Oct. 28 and is open to the public. The event will include a presentation by Hiroshi Ando, education counselor at the Embassy of Japan; a JET Program presentation; origami and haiku workshops; a traditional Japanese music performance and student presentations.

The grant project will continue through July 1, 2027, with outcomes informing the next phase of collaboration between Bowie State and the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the 'Research College and University' designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacie Burgess, [email protected], 301-860-4311