World Learning, SIT honored by Vermont Legislature

May 2, 2023

World Learning and SIT were honored last week at the Vermont Statehouse in Montpelier when lawmakers passed a resolution highlighting the history of the organizations. House Concurrent Resolution 30 was co-sponsored by 13 lawmakers from Windham and Windsor counties, including SIT Graduate Institute alumna Michelle Bos-Lun, a state representative from Putney.

House concurrent resolution congratulating World Learning Inc on its 90th anniversary

Offered by: Representatives Burke of Brattleboro, Bos-Lun of Westminster, Chase of Chester, Goldman of Rockingham, Kornheiser of Brattleboro, Long of Newfane, Mrowicki of Putney, Pajala of Londonderry, Roberts of Halifax, Sibilia of Dover, and Toleno of Brattleboro

Offered by: Senators Harrison and Hashim

Whereas, in 1932, World Learning Inc (World Learning) was established in Putney as The Experiment in International Living, the first program to enable Americans to engage in overseas educational and intercultural programs, and

Whereas, after World War II, World Learning sent groups of youth to Western Europe to assist in rebuilding war-torn communities, and

Whereas, in 1961, the Kennedy Administration enlisted The Experiment in International Living to design and deliver trainings for Peace Corps volunteers and to serve as a training center for 70 projects for over 30 countries, and

Whereas, based on its Peace Corps projects and similar activities, in 1964, World Learning established the School for International Training (SIT), which now annually sends over 2,000 American college and graduate students on semester-abroad study programs in 55 countries, and

Whereas, from 1979 to 1996, World Learning provided services in support of the resettlement of Southeast Asian refugees, and since December 2021, it has engaged in refugee resettlement efforts in southern Vermont, and

Whereas, World Learning administers more than 90 development programs in over 30 countries, and annually, its youth, academic, and professional exchanges bring over 2,000 emerging leaders to the United States each year for educationally enriching degree and nondegree programs, now therefore be it

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:

That the General Assembly congratulates World Learning Inc on its 90th anniversary, and be it further

Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to World Learning Inc.

Signed by Jill Krowinski, Speaker of the House

Signed by David Zuckerman, President of the Senate

Sponsor
Rep. Mollie Burke

Additional Sponsors
Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun
Rep. Heather Chase
Rep. Leslie Goldman
Sen. Wendy Harrison
Sen. Nader Hashim
Rep. Emilie Kornheiser
Rep. Emily Long
Rep. Michael Mrowicki
Rep. Kelly Pajala
Rep. Tristan Roberts
Rep. Laura Sibilia
Rep. Tristan Toleno