Impressions of Youth Leadership Participants 2002-2005:
"I didn't know the definition of transparency before this program.
Now I know the definition of transparency because I have seen it. I
can now return and share what I learned here back in Ukraine."
— Rustem Umerov tells Deputy Director Gloria Steele (USAID)
what he learned at YLP
"To be frank, I was far from expecting such an interesting
and useful program. I am deeply thankful to the program organizers,
well done!"
-anonymous student evaluation
"It amazed me how many new and unique opportunities are given
to young people, and I understood that in fact the prosperity of Ukraine
depends upon the efforts I personally devote to it".
-anonymous student evaluation
"I saw Ukraine in a different light".
-anonymous student evaluation
"We are willing to maintain contacts using various means - through
e-mailing, phoning, writing letters, having meetings, and, what is the
most important, through joint projects!"
-anonymous student evaluation
"I hoped to see Washington, DC and meet some people from the diaspora
as well as to meet students who have the same interests as I do. The
program won my heart! I found friends for life... after this program
I understood that my voice can matter and it can bring big changes!"
— anonymous student evaluation
“It’s allowed us to meet those who have been most influential
in shaping U.S.-Ukraine policy. The wide breadth of agencies visited
gave us a dynamic view of the policy-making process.”
— Damian Zajac
“This was an absolutely exciting program that stimulates your
desire to help Ukraine. It was a great way to meet future professionals
who have the same interests. It was a great combination of fun and intellectual
learning.”
— Vadim Ostrovsky
“I wanted to find out more about what was being done in the sphere
of non-governmental aid. I also wanted to learn a little bit more about
career paths, specifically those that were pursued by Ukrainian-Americans
with an active interest. The program met my expectations and exceeded
them in every way. This program was the unquestioned highlight of my
summer. I had so much fun and learned so much. It sends me back to school
with an actual sense of purpose and excitement that I have never felt
before.”
— Markian Dobczansky
"An incomparable hands-on learning experience that really inspired
me to get involved in with issues in Ukraine, using my connections that
I have made with participants."
— anonymous student evaluation
"Excellent, amazing, eye-opening!"
— anonymous student evaluation
"Excellent! It is an amazing opportunity to get exposed to U.S.-Ukraine
relations & DC's professional life!"
— anonymous student evaluation
"Great program that far exceeded my own expectations!"
— anonymous student evaluation
"The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation!"
— student response in evaluation on which speaker best showed
the importance of political activism