"The best thing about FLEX TAP was that we gained a lot of practical knowledge. This workshop is over, but the program is still going on - and that makes me feel really confident I'm able to achieve my goals and make a difference with my project. It's hard to describe how grateful I am - my life would be totally different without this life changing experience."      ~Anna Yershova, Russia, TAP 2004

In early January 2004, 28 Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) students were selected from more that 150 applicants to participate in the Technology Ambassadors Program (TAP). Their work started in January as they began building an online community with each other, program staff and trainers via a program weblog. Weblog assignments allowed students to get acquainted, exchange ideas and information, and prepare for a 10-day workshop in Vermont. During the workshop, the Eurasian high school students worked with trainers Kathy Cadwell, co-founder of Project Harmony, and Hector Vila, Writing Professor at Middlebury College, to improve their technology and leadership skills, while learning how to garner support for community development projects in their home communities. Each student created a digital story on a topic of social concern in his or her home country. Story topics included Democracy Education, Substance Abuse Prevention, After School Activities, International Adoption, Environmental Protection, Cultural Preservation and more. Please explore the menu links to learn more about the weblog, workshop, student projects, and other program highlights.