Washington, DC, February 15, 2008 - The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) and the Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina (ACBH) today announced the launch of a scholarship program for Bosnian-American students to participate in study abroad programs in Turkey. TCA, through ACBH, will award up to 10 grants per year in the amount of $2,000 to full-time Bosnian-American undergraduates accepted to a study abroad program at a Turkish university. The objectives of the program are for Bosnian-American students to foster friendship, understanding and cooperation between the United States and Turkey and to explore the historical and cultural links between Turkey and Bosnia Herzegovina.
TCA President Lincoln McCurdy stated that TCA is delighted to offer this opportunity to Bosnian-American students. “Turkey is home to millions of citizens who trace their ancestry to Bosnia Herzegovina. Turks in general feel a close kinship with the Bosnian people and relations between the two countries have been very close in recent years”, said McCurdy. “TCA would like to play a small role in carrying these friendly bonds between Turkey and Bosnia to our communities here in the United States”, McCurdy added.
ACBH President, Dr. Mirsad Hadzikadic, stated: "Turkish and Bosnian people have always had a close special relationship and special bond. Turkey was among the first countries who came to Bosnia-Herzegovina's side in the latest case of aggression against its peoples and territory. The Study-in-Turkey initiative is a wonderful way of encouraging young people to explore Turkish culture as well as the commonalities between the two societies. Studies like this one enables the new generation to be more competitive in the age of globalization."
In support of this new program, Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) stated: "As the representative of a growing population of Bosnian-Americans, I applaud the TCA and ACBH for providing such a worthwhile opportunity to students. Turkey is an integral strategic partner to the United States; I cannot think of a better place for Bosnian-Americans to study abroad."
Bosnian-American students who are planning to join study abroad programs in Turkey and are interested in TCA scholarship should send their resume and cover letter to ACBH (baacbh@gmail.com), with subject "TCA Scholarship."
About TCA: The Turkish Coalition of America, founded in February 2007, is an educational and charitable organization established to foster a greater understanding of issues impacting the Turkish American community through public education both in Washington and across the country. For more information, please visit www.turkishcoalitionofamerica.org.
About ACBH: The Advisory Council for Bosnia and Herzegovina, founded in January 2006, is a non-profit, non-government and non-partisan organization dedicated to advocating for Bosnian-Americans in the United States and promoting peace and economic development in the Balkans by fostering democratic policy, promoting respect for human rights, and initiating educational and developmental programs. For more information please visit www.baacbh.org
