Dwight D. Eisenhower has been known for many things:

Commander

of the Allied Forces in North Africa during WWII

Supreme Commander

of the Army including D-day

Supreme Commander

of NATO forces

President

of Columbia University

34th President

of the United States of America

In 1956, President Eisenhower proposed a peaceful solution for a war-ravaged world. That solution? Give everyday citizens of different countries the opportunity to meet and get to know each other, and the result will be understanding, friendship, and lasting peace.

Out of this vision came the "People to People" movement and the inspiration for People to People Ambassador Programs. Starting with the first traveling delegation in the early 1960s, People to People Ambassador Programs began to break down cultural barriers by providing short-term travel opportunities with the personal, behind-the-scenes access that Eisenhower envisioned.

Today, 50 years later, Eisenhower's vision has transformed to match the needs of our modern world. With increased access to international travel and the Internet, the globe has become a much smaller place. People to People interactions are more important than ever as we learn to co-exist and thrive in a global society.

The goal is simple: Provide students the international experiences to increase their global awareness in a truly global society.