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Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Humphrey Fellowship Program, a Fulbright Exchange, builds connections between U.S. and foreign leaders to advance solutions to the most pressing global challenges, from combatting climate change, to protecting human rights, increasing access to education, and building global health security.

Leadership development that builds lasting ties in critical fields between Americans and their professional counterparts overseas.

Personalized academic experience at more than 12 U.S higher education institutions that leads to collaboration across disciplines.

A network of over 6,450 alumni, including heads of state, supreme court justices, mayors, governors, and leaders in diverse organizations.

Program History

The Humphrey Fellowship Program was founded in 1978 to honor the late Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. President Jimmy Carter announced the establishment of the Humphrey Fellowship Program in Venezuela with the intent to create a program that embodied the values of democracy, social justice, and a desire to assist the world’s developing nations. In 1979, the first Humphrey Fellows arrived in the United States, welcoming 27 mid-career professionals from 24 countries to 11 U.S. universities.

Penn State Fellows 1981_1982
GLF 2021
Senator Hubert Humphrey (left) and President Jimmy Carter, 23 October 1977

Hubert H. Humphrey

Hubert H. Humphrey’s exemplary leadership, tireless devotion to public service, and sincere hope for greater understanding among nations inspired the Humphrey Fellowship Program. In 1964, he was elected Vice President of the United States under President Lyndon Johnson and returned to the Senate in 1971, serving until his death in 1978.

Funding and Administration

The Humphrey Fellowship Program is a Fulbright exchange activity funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education.