About Us

The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, advocating for and investing in virtual exchange opportunities for young people worldwide. Our vision is that every young person participates in a virtual exchange that prepares them to prosper in an increasingly interconnected world.

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What is virtual exchange?

Virtual exchange connects young people from around the world for learning and collaboration, immersing them in digital spaces to gain practical skills and build friendships along the way.

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Voices of Virtual Exchange

Whitney, United States

The program equipped me with valuable skills such as project management, teamwork, and critical thinking. Learning how to work with team members from different age groups and how to be more adaptable when dealing with people from different backgrounds have been essential to my success as an entrepreneur.

Omar, Jordan
Sarah, United States

Virtual exchange wasn’t just about the activities that you do, but it was about making connections with new friends all over the globe. It was a chance I hadn’t had in my 17 years in my community… It was like the door was closed and virtual exchange came to open it for me.

Ahmed, Tunisia
Amal, Morocco

Being a part of a global workshop for teens just like me has deepened my hunger for traveling and learning about the world. Not only did I get to meet other international students, but I learned how to solve problems with them, which is a skill that will last a lifetime.

Jewel, United States

How virtual exchange makes a difference.

  • Virtual exchange improves understanding of the world and global issues.chevron-right-white
    • Participants in William Davidson Institute’s Business & Culture: A Virtual Practicum demonstrated greater gains in knowledge of their global peers than those who did not participate in a virtual exchange.
  • Young people like virtual exchange.chevron-right-white
    • Over 80% of participants agree that they would recommend their virtual exchange program to others.
  • Virtual exchange is inclusive.chevron-right-white
    • Over 80% of participants feel they can be their true selves, are valued by fellow peers, are included in all aspects of programming, and belong in their virtual exchange.
  • Virtual exchange broadens horizons.chevron-right-white
    • In summer and fall 2021, 65% of the Middle East and North Africa and 78% of U.S. respondents had not previously participated in an international exchange.
  • Virtual exchange brings international experiences to marginalized youth.chevron-right-white
    • In spring 2022, 37% of surveyed American K-12 participants in our funded programs attended Title I schools.
  • Virtual exchange can provide free international experiences.chevron-right-white
    • Across the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa, up to 86% of young people who participate in our funded virtual exchange programs attend public schools.
  • Virtual exchange has a huge impact on worldview.chevron-right-white
    • Surveyed participants in our K-12 programs showed positive development in skills that are important at their young age, including knowledge of other people and cultures.
Participants in William Davidson Institute’s Business & Culture: A Virtual Practicum demonstrated greater gains in knowledge of their global peers than those who did not participate in a virtual exchange.
Over 80% of participants agree that they would recommend their virtual exchange program to others.
Over 80% of participants feel they can be their true selves, are valued by fellow peers, are included in all aspects of programming, and belong in their virtual exchange.
In summer and fall 2021, 65% of the Middle East and North Africa and 78% of U.S. respondents had not previously participated in an international exchange.
In spring 2022, 37% of surveyed American K-12 participants in our funded programs attended Title I schools.
Across the U.S. and the Middle East and North Africa, up to 86% of young people who participate in our funded virtual exchange programs attend public schools.
Surveyed participants in our K-12 programs showed positive development in skills that are important at their young age, including knowledge of other people and cultures.