Partnership to Promote Cultural and International Enrichment With America's First Historically Black Public Land-grant College and University

SPOKANE, Wash., May 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- People to People Ambassador Programs, the world leader in global educational travel experiences, and Alcorn State University, the nation's first historically black public land-grant academic institution, proudly announce a new partnership to engage in a long-term, globally focused dialogue on issues relevant to the education of all students.

Under the leadership of the 18th president of Alcorn State University, M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D., an inaugural delegation of land-grant college researchers and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) leaders will depart for Kenya in December 2011. The experience will include stops to visit with key educational leaders, participate in classroom observation, and dialogue with government officials. Capping the professional journey, participants will have the opportunity to experience the richness of Kenya through safari. The president of People to People Ambassador Programs, Peg Thomas, notes the appropriateness of this inaugural event: "As the oldest land-grant and one of the most prestigious HBCUs in our country, Alcorn State University has always broken down barriers in the pursuit of knowledge and provided leadership to the HBCU community. We are proud to partner with Alcorn State representatives and HBCU leadership to cross even more borders in the name of global understanding."

For M. Christopher Brown II, Ph.D., the newly inaugurated 18th president of Alcorn State University, the partnership fits with his mission to steer the university toward global opportunities and the pursuit of academic excellence. "This partnership is a global academic opportunity made manifest. Globalizing Alcorn State University and both the land-grant and HBCU communities in an innovative and engaging manner by advancing scholars, faculty, staff and students to embrace new ideas, cultivate collaborative relationships and develop professionally and personally. Working with People to People Ambassador Programs, the HBCU community combining knowledge and passion will engage global opportunities to continually achieve greatness."

The two organizations signed a proclamation of partnership before a gathering at Alcorn State University today, expressing their shared commitment to promote cultural and international enrichment.

Thomas added: "We are thrilled to be working closely with Alcorn State and other institutions of higher learning. Our organization is rooted in the belief that bringing together diverse groups of people, whether they're from different countries, ethnicities, religions, cultures, or points of view, is the key to solving many of our world's problems."

About People to People Ambassador Programs

People to People Ambassador Programs is the world's most recognized educational travel provider. Since the 1960s, more than 500,000 people from around the world have traveled with People to People Ambassador Programs to help further global understanding through cross-cultural exchange. Offering unmatched safety measures and unparalleled access to foreign cultures and countries, People to People Ambassador Programs promotes personal success in a globalized world and fosters international friendships for both students and professional adults.

People to People Ambassador Programs is the exclusive educational travel provider of People to People International (PTPI), a nonprofit organization founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to promote peace through understanding worldwide. Together, PTPI and People to People Ambassador Programs are united in a mission to bridge cultural and political borders through education and exchange. For more information, please visit www.peopletopeople.com.  

About Ambassadors Group

Ambassadors Group Inc. (NASDAQ: EPAX) is a socially conscious, education company headquartered in Spokane, Wash. Ambassadors Group is the parent company of Ambassador Programs Inc. (which administrates People to People Ambassador Programs), World Adventures Unlimited, and BookRags, an educational research website. The company also oversees the Washington School of World Studies, an accredited travel study school. Additional information about Ambassadors Group and its subsidiaries is available at www.ambassadorsgroup.com.

About Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University, a Historically Black College and University, is a comprehensive land-grant institution that celebrates a rich heritage with a diverse student and faculty population. The University emphasizes intellectual development and lifelong learning through the integration of diverse pedagogies, applied and basic research, cultural and professional programs, public service and outreach, while providing access to globally competitive academic and research programs. Alcorn strives to prepare graduates to be well-rounded future leaders of high character and to be successful in the global marketplace of the 21st century.

Accreditation

Alcorn State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate, bachelor's, master's and education specialist degrees. The University also holds accreditation with the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education, the American Dietetics Association, the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Industrial Technology and the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. For more information on Alcorn State University including its history, visit www.alcorn.edu.

SOURCE People to People Ambassador Programs