Senate Resolution No. 5632

BY: Senator AVELLA

COMMEMORATING the 10th Anniversary of the Cross
Cultural Internship Program on July 6, 2018

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize those
organizations which promote international cultural exchange and
relations, and which represent the rich cultural heritage of the
citizens of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Cross Cultural Internship
Program, to be celebrated at its Recognition Ceremony on Friday, July 6,
2018, at Citi Field Auditorium, Flushing, New York; and

WHEREAS, The Cross Cultural Internship Program (CCIP) is held
annually to recognize those individuals and organizations which have
contributed to the J-1 cultural exchange internship initiative; this
activity has been a staple of the growth of the Cross Cultural
Internship Program since 2008; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, on this evening, exchange visitors, host
organizations, friends, partners, government officials, community
leaders and media representatives gather at Citi Field, the home of the
Mets, to celebrate their collective efforts of working toward a global
community; and

WHEREAS, Founded by Elizabeth Kay, CCIP is an Exchange Visitor
Internship Program (EVP) organized by FUSIA Communications, a State
Department designated visa sponsor; this vital initiative offers
exchange visitors leadership opportunities, activities and cohesive
community culture; and

WHEREAS, Administered by the United States Department of State,
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Private Sector Exchange, the
EVP is designed to increase mutual understanding between Americans and
the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural
exchanges; and

WHEREAS, This year, 70 students will take part in the program where
they obtain structured work-based experience; these students come from
the program's partner universities in Asia, reside in Flushing, Queens,
and intern at one of the hosts which are primarily located in New York
City; and

WHEREAS, Remaining true to its mission, CCIP continues to cultivate
the next generation of global professionals in enriching cultural
environments as they learn and build professional skills in New York
City; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in one of the world's most cutting-edge
cities, they will master the skills to navigate the ever-changing global
marketplace; and

WHEREAS, Over its distinguished 10-year history, the Cross Cultural
Internship Program has demonstrated continuous service to the residents
and communities which it serves; and

WHEREAS, The success of the Cross Cultural Internship Program is in
direct correlation to the efforts of Elizabeth Kay and her dedicated
staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an
impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising
standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization
and the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, In so effectively carrying out its mission, the Cross
Cultural Internship Program has clearly demonstrated the value of
international cultural exchange and relations, and in doing so have
earned the recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great
Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Cross Cultural Internship
Program on July 6, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Elizabeth Kay, Founder, The Cross Cultural Internship
Program.