Welcome to the application portal for the Congressional Program on US-Japan Relations and the Indo-Pacific (CPUSJ).

To complete this application you will need to fill out this application form, and upload a copy of your current CV or resume, detailing your educational and professional experience.

If you encounter problems using this application, please contact Abbigail Hull at hulla@EastWestcenter.org.
 

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for the January-February 2025 program. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis through 11:59 PM Eastern time on Friday December 13, 2024.

The Pacific Islands Development Program invites submissions to Our Pacific Stories, a series dedicated to celebrating the local and community journalism of our program alumni.

Relevance: Content should center around local and community journalism that reflects Pacific Islander perspectives, voices, and viewpoints. The Pacific Islands means the places, peoples, and societies within what is understood today as the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia sub-regions of Oceania. To reference current priorities, issues, and concerns relevant to the Pacific Islands region, visit the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Quality: Content should be original, balanced, thoughtful, concise, and tell a compelling story.

Tone: Constructive criticism and analysis of issues that takes into account all relevant viewpoints is welcomed. However, strong political bias, sarcasm, personal attacks, cultural insensitivity, and any form of disparagement is not acceptable.

Style: Writing style should follow the 56th edition of The Associated Press Stylebook. Spelling should follow the 11th edition of the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

Language: Content can be in any language spoken in the Pacific Islands, but English translation or subtitles should be included if the content is not in English. Languages other than English, especially Indigenous languages, do not need to be italicized unless the contributor prefers to do so.

Accessibility: Consider creating content that is accessible to a wider audience, including non-specialists and those with disabilities. This can include adding captions, providing transcripts, or ensuring that visual content is clear and descriptive.

AI Transparency: There is a growing consensus among scholarly organizations, including the Committee on Publication Ethics, that artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as Chat GPT or large language models do not fulfill the necessary criteria for authorship, as they lack the capacity to assume ethical and legal responsibility for the content they produce. Thus, as a matter of policy, content generated by AI or machine learning tools are not accepted for publication.

Length: Submissions must be between 800 to 1,200 words, excluding citations and references.

Reprints: We accept previously published pieces. Contributors are responsible for providing verification of the required permissions.

Ethical Journalism: Contributors should review and comply with the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics. Local or national media guidelines may also apply.

• Accuracy: Ensure all facts are correct and sourced from reliable information. Avoid sensationalism or exaggeration.
• Respect and Representation: Content must respect the dignity and rights of individuals and communities featured. Avoid stereotypes and ensure balanced and fair representation.
• Informed Consent: Obtain consent from individuals featured in content, particularly vulnerable populations such as children or elders. This includes permission to use their likeness and voice.

Format and Technical Requirements:

• Text: Text should be between 300 and 2,000 words, excluding citations, if any. Submit text files in DOC or DOCX formats.
• Video: Reels should not exceed 60 seconds. Longer digital journalism pieces should not exceed 10 minutes. Submit video files in MP4 or MOV formats.
• Audio: Short-form audio should not exceed 5 minutes. Longer pieces, such as feature stories or podcasts, should not exceed 40 minutes. Submit audio files in MP3 or WAV formats.
• Image: Photos should be high-resolution, at least 300 DPI. Submit image files in JPG or PNG formats. Provide a brief caption for each photo, including the location, context, and any relevant details. Captions should be clear and concise, following AP Style where applicable.

Submission: Submit work online via Submittable. Submissions can be submitted year-round. For questions or concerns regarding submissions, contact pireport@eastwestcenter.org. Contributors can expect a publication decision email within approximately one to three weeks after submission.

Editorial Rights: The Pacific Islands Development Program decides what gets published, and we might edit for length and clarity. No submissions are compensated.

The Pacific Islands Development Program's quarterly publication Visions & Voices welcomes submissions of essays, articles, commentary, and concise pieces that pertain to the Pacific Islands region.

Relevance: Submissions should focus on Pacific Islands-related issues. The Pacific Islands means the places, peoples, and societies within what is understood today as the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia sub-regions of Oceania. The subject matter should maintain its relevance for a minimum of six months after publication. To reference current priorities, issues, and concerns relevant to the Pacific Islands region, visit the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent.

Quality: Submissions should be original, balanced, thoughtful, and concise.

Tone: Constructive criticism and analysis of issues that takes into account all relevant viewpoints is welcomed. However, strong political bias, sarcasm, personal attacks, cultural insensitivity, and any form of disparagement is not acceptable.

Accessibility: Submissions should be written for a general audience to understand, not just for specialists.

Length: Submissions must be between 800 to 1,200 words, excluding citations and references.

Style: Spelling should follow the 11th edition of the Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Style should follow the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style with two exceptions. The first exception is that languages other than English, especially Indigenous languages, do not need to be italicized. The second exception is that digital journalism and commentary submissions may instead follow the 56th edition of The Associated Press Stylebook.

Citations: Include citations where necessary. Citations should follow the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style unless there is a rational reason to use a different format, such as The Bluebook for legal writing or The Associated Press Stylebook for digital journalism and commentary pieces. Citation formatting should be consistent throughout the document.

AI Transparency: There is a growing consensus among scholarly organizations, including the Committee on Publication Ethics, that artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT or large language models do not fulfill the necessary criteria for authorship, as they lack the capacity to assume ethical and legal responsibility for the content they produce. Thus, as a matter of policy, submissions generated by AI or machine learning tools are not accepted for publication.

Submission: Submit work online via Submittable. Contributors can expect an email notification regarding acceptance or rejection within approximately four to six weeks following the applicable submission deadline. Submissions received after a submission deadline will be considered for the next submission deadline.

• Issue 1: Submissions received by the end of December are considered for publication in February.
• Issue 2: Submissions received by the end of March are considered for publication in May.
• Issue 3: Submissions received by the end of June are considered for publication in August.
• Issue 4: Submissions received by the end of September are considered for publication in November.

Editorial Rights: The Pacific Islands Development Program decides what gets published, and we might edit for length and clarity. No submissions are compensated.

Reprints: We accept previously published pieces. Contributors are responsible for providing verification of the required permissions.

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The East-West Center prohibits discrimination of any kind, including sex-based discrimination and harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at About Title IX. For a list of all EWC participant policies, please see https://ewcparticipantinfo.org/participant-policies/

East-West Center Scholarship Recipients and Student Affiliates are eligible to apply for grants to support conference travel and field research that is relevant to the Asia Pacific region.  Conference grants cover the cost of airfare and conference fees up to $2,000 (US or International).  Field research grants cover costs associated with original research for the grantee’s thesis or dissertation, up to $4,000.  Grants are awarded competitively, in three rounds, through an application process.  A call for applications will be sent approximately six weeks prior to the due dates for each round.

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The East-West Center prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at About Title IX.

This program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by the East-West Center. The East-West Center prohibits discrimination of any kind, including sex-based discrimination and harassment, in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at About Title IX. For a list of all EWC participant policies, please see https://ewcparticipantinfo.org/participant-policies/

 
   Important Application Guidelines

   Read the instructions for each item carefully before entering your information.

 

• Submittable does not log you out automatically when you exit your browser. Therefore, it is important that you sign out from your Submittable account, especially when you are using a public computer.
• Since you will not be able to edit it afterward, make sure to review your application before submitting it. If your application is not ready, you can save it as a draft and submit it at a later time. The saved drafts of your application can be found in your account under My Submissions (or Submissions).
• If after submission you need to change something in your application, contact the USSP scholarship program at USSP@EastWestCenter.org.

USSP application information, downloadable from the East-West Center website, provide detailed application instructions for the USSP program.

For inquiries, please contact the EWC Registrar's Office at USSP@EastWestCenter.org

   Please include in your message your (1) full name, (2) country of citizenship, and (3) intended degree program.

   Access to technical help with using Submittable is available here.

All fields with an asterisk (*) are required. 

In 2025, the Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) at the East-West Center (EWC) will host a six-week hybrid, leadership development program for early to mid-career professionals from across sectors. The program will include a residency in Hawai'i and a field immersion in Washington, D.C. This program will provide individuals from PICL Member countries/territories and the State of Hawai'i the opportunity to enhance their leadership capacities and build a network with other leaders from across the Pacific and the US. Participants will engage in experiential learning in a cohort of 20 early to mid-career professionals from all sectors. RPIL attracts participants possessing high leadership potential and a commitment to serve their national and regional development goals. The curriculum for these rising leaders centers on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, equipping participants to serve as leaders in implementing the values, commitments, and outcomes of the Strategy.  Program content is delivered by diverse range of regional professionals.  The program strengthens participants’ knowledge and understanding of key regional economic, social, political, health, educational and environmental issues, and cultivates culturally sustaining leadership capacities.

This program is made possible through funding and support from the East-West Center and U.S. Government.

Program Dates: March 31 to May 10, 2025

Eligibility:

• Citizen of a Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) Member country/territory/State of Hawai'i: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Hawai'i, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. 
• Obtain strong letters of reference from reputable individuals and organizations in the region, with preference given to applicants who obtain formal letters of reference from PICL Member governments.
• Bachelor’s degree. Exceptions may be considered on the basis of other relevant experience and qualifications.
• The program is aimed at early- to mid-career professionals.
• A minimum of 3 years demonstrated impact as a rising leader in your professional career and/or respective community.
• All qualified persons especially indigenous Pacific Islanders in all their diversities are strongly encouraged to apply 

DEADLINES

• Application Deadline: 11:59 pm, November 22, 2024 (Hawaii Standard Time)
• Letter of Reference Deadline: 11:59 pm, November 29, 2024 (Hawaii Standard Time)

IMPORTANT APPLICATION GUIDELINES 

• Read the instructions for each item carefully before entering your information.
• The application software does not log you out automatically when you exit your browser. Therefore, it is important that you sign out from your application account especially when you are using a public computer.
• Since you will not be able to edit your application after submitting, make sure to review your application before submitting. If your application is not ready, you can save it as a draft and submit it at a later time.      The saved drafts of your application can be found in your account under My Submissions (or Submissions).
• If, after submission, you need to change something in your application, contact the RPIL team at RPIL@EastWestCenter.org