Tyler Smith selected for a fully funded leadership program in Ireland
PORTLAND, Maine, March 17, 2022 – Howard University sophomore Tyler Smith from Beltsville, Maryland has been selected as a 2022 Frederick Douglass Global Fellow, an honor awarding him a full scholarship to represent Howard University at a four-week leadership program for students of color that is set in Ireland and focused on peace, social justice, and conflict resolution.
The Government of Ireland will co-sponsor the 2022 Frederick Douglass Global Fellows to continue the legacy project created to honor the 175th anniversary of the meeting between 27-year-old abolitionist Frederick Douglass and the great Irish reformer Daniel O’Connell in Dublin in 1845. While in Ireland, the Fellows will explore the life stories, leadership styles, and legacies of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell as they engage in a comparative study of peace and conflict resolution through the lens of Ireland, the Middle East, and South Africa.
Tyler is one of 16 high-achieving diverse student leaders selected from a record number of outstanding applicants based on their demonstrated leadership and communication skills, and their commitment to agitating for positive social change.
An International Affairs and Political Science Major, Tyler was selected as a Frederick Douglass Global Fellow because of his academic excellence, communication skills, and commitment to social justice.
A highlight of Tyler’s service to his community is his work empowering students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to access international affairs opportunities. As part of the Larry Palmer Envoys Program, Tyler conducted field research to investigate what HBCU students needed to succeed in study abroad. He also proposed a collaboration with the D.C. Metro Diplomats in Residence Office to organize an international career and research development program for HBCU students.
Tyler cites deep inspiration from Frederick Douglass for his commitment to international exchange.
“Frederick Douglass’ diplomatic career encourages me to continue making change. The Fellowship’s dedication to help students explore different avenues and make a positive impact on local communities is exactly what I need to develop my perspective and ability to solve global issues.”
“The 2022 cohort of Frederick Douglass Global Fellows is an extraordinary group of students, representing a rich diversity of backgrounds, universities, academic majors, and personal stories,” said James P. Pellow, president and CEO of CIEE. “These leaders of tomorrow will be transformed through their experience in Ireland, as was Frederick Douglass in 1845, returning home with a global perspective on how to agitate peacefully for positive change in their communities and in our world.”
“Ireland was so special to Frederick Douglass,” said Nettie Washington Douglass, chairwoman and co-founder of Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, and the great-great-granddaughter of Frederick Douglass and great-granddaughter of Booker T. Washington. “The welcome and respect with which Frederick was greeted across his tour of Ireland affected him profoundly. I can think of no better place for these exceptional young people to hone their leadership skills and prepare to be agents of change.”
The Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship was launched in 2017 as part of CIEE’s commitment to increasing access to study abroad by students in underrepresented groups. In addition to funding the 16 Fellows, CIEE will provide all 700+ students who applied for this year’s fellowship a $1,500 Frederick Douglass Scholars Grant towards any CIEE study abroad program within the next year, committing more than one million dollars in grant funds to help diverse students study abroad.
The CIEE Frederick Douglass Scholars Grant has been matched by over thirty college presidents who are champions of international education, reducing the cost of studying abroad even further for their students. CIEE is proud to partner with these global leaders to open doors for all students from all backgrounds and significantly increase diversity abroad.
To learn more about the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship, visit ciee.org/FDGF.