The Humphrey Fellowship Program has received funding as a Fulbright exchange activity from the U.S. Congress since 1978 to honor the public service career of the late Senator and Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-1978). A long-time advocate of international cooperation and understanding, Humphrey served as Vice President of the United States from 1965 to 1969 and for many years as a U.S. Senator from Minnesota.

President Jimmy Carter announced the establishment of the Humphrey program on a state visit to Venezuela in March 1978.  It would be a program, Carter said, embodying the values shared by the United States and Venezuela -- democacy, social justice and a desire to assist the developing nations of the world.  A year after Carter's declaration, the first Humphrey Fellows arrived in the U.S.  They were 27 mid-career professionals from 24 countries who would study at 11 U.S. universities and institutions. 

Since 1978, more than 4,000 Fellows from over 157 countries have participated in the program.  More than 40 universities have hosted the Fellows for their year of study.