Kochi: The U.S. Consulate General Chennai and the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on February 16 to establish an American Corner at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) in Kochi, Kerala.
U.S. Consul General Christopher W. Hodges and CUSAT Registrar Prof. Dr. V. Meera signed the MoU, in the presence of CUSAT Vice Chancellor Dr. P.G. Sankaran, on the sidelines of a visit by the U.S. Education Trade Delegation of 18 U.S. universities to CUSAT.
The American Spaces program is a flexible partnership model the United States runs globally. The new American Corner at CUSAT will eventually join a network of more than 600 American Spaces spread across India, Asia, and around the globe. The Corner will renew the vibrant programs of an American cultural space in Kerala since the 1970 closure of the USIA cultural center in Thiruvananthapuram.
“We are delighted to partner with CUSAT to open a new American Corner right here in the heart of Kochi. This faculty- and student led-project will enable the people of Kerala to build a closer relationship with the United States, while at the same time, open the door for us to support the amazing work that CUSAT and the Centre for Science in Society is doing to inspire and empower the next generation of STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics] enthusiasts, future scientists, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs,” said Consul General Hodges.
The U.S. Consulate General Chennai welcomes this opportunity for sustained partnership with CUSAT in support of our common values, including a commitment to empower girls and women in STEAM, to promote hands-on-learning opportunities and STEM for social good, and to improve access to science and cultivate the next generation of change makers. The American Center Chennai will directly support the new American Corner. Past collaborations include an intensive two-week residential STEAM camp for girl students, and a business communication program.
In 2020, CUSAT hosted U.S Consulate General Chennai’s Disaster Management workshop focused on Sustainable Infrastructure Development as part of the “America with Kerala” project.
