Roundtable: Centers for African Studies as Models for Collaborative Teaching, Research and Public Education: U.S. Department of Education Academic Partnerships

The U. S. Department of Education’s partnership with universities and colleges around the country developed to promote excellence in teaching and research on Africa in all disciplines has been a testament to the gains derived from bridging scholarship, policy and representation for institutions, the nation and our globalizing world. Supported by Title VI’s goals of expanding access to education across traditional boundaries of language, nationality, race and income, the program paved the way to establish, strengthen and operate language area or international study centers for teaching and research embracing diverse regions and fields of study. The innovative approach has been credited with providing education that offers access to multiple languages, cultures and international systems. The African Centers lived up to the stated goals of promoting excellence in education and research for students aspiring to serve as teachers, diplomats and global citizens in society and business. Broader objectives of disseminating knowledge and information are encouraged through collaborative projects and public education media integrated into their initiatives. The roundtable aims at providing an opportunity for scholars, professionals and public servants to share their experiences and forge concerted paths to the future.