GLCThe Great Lakes Consortium for International Training and Development (“GLC” or the “Consortium”) is a collaborative effort between several academic institutions within NW Ohio: Bowling Green State University (BGSU), The University of Toledo (UT), Lourdes University, and WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc.(WSOS)  – Contract Agent and Manager.

The Declared Mission of the Consortium is “to initiate, seek support for, and coordinate international training and development efforts linking resources with needs in the world community.” Established in 1999 with support from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and the Consortium partners. GLC received 11 grants from the US State Department and 6 from USAID Community Connections Program – through World Learning – and one from Open World Program –through World Services of La Crosse—for international exchange programs in NW Ohio.

By November 2011, GLC welcomed more than 850 foreign participants in NW Ohio and organized visits for more than 700 Americans to travel overseas. GLC worked on programs with thirteen countries (incl. Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, Lebanon, Jordan, UAE, Hungary, Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Moldova, and Afghanistan).

GLC has a wide network and direct impact on 5 counties (Lucas, Wood, Seneca, Ottawa, Sandusky) in NW Ohio attracting hundreds of volunteers and community partners to local and global activities. GLC established successful collaboration with other NW Ohio partners (incl. Arts Council Lake Erie West, UT College of Business) as well with partners in the targeted countries.

GLC introduced the foreign guests and programs at more than 520 multicultural public events with an overall impact on over 81,000 Americans in NW Ohio, and thousands of people and their families in Europe, Asia, Africa and other parts of United States (Indiana, Michigan, Illinois). We had a large emphasis on empowerment of women and contributing to the development of the youth locally and globally.

GLC brought significant outside resources for international programs to NW Ohio by working successfully with the US State Department, USAID, Open World as well as attracting support from foundations and various donors and supporters.