U.S. Embassy celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program

The Embassy of the United States in the Dominican Republic, in collaboration with the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program with a special event that brought together alumni, academic leaders, and representatives from the public and private educational sectors to celebrate the impact of one of the world’s most prestigious educational exchange initiatives. The activity was also part of the Freedom 250 commemoration—celebrating 250 years of United States independence—highlighting the role that education, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation have played in projecting American culture and leadership for two and a half centuries.

For eight decades, Fulbright has strengthened ties between the United States and more than 160 countries, offering opportunities for students, researchers, professors, and professionals to develop academic and scientific projects that generate lasting benefits for their communities and foster international cooperation.

In the Dominican Republic, the Fulbright Program has contributed significantly to the training of professionals and leaders in fields such as higher education, public health, engineering, social sciences, the arts, and scientific research. More than 600 Dominicans have participated in the program through the Fulbright-MESCYT agreement, a strategic partnership between the U.S. Department of State and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCYT) through which the Ministry sponsors eight additional students each year to pursue postgraduate studies at U.S. universities. This expands Dominican students’ access to institutions of academic excellence and reflects the shared commitment of both governments to developing highly skilled human capital.

Throughout its history, more than 400,000 people worldwide have participated in the Fulbright Program, establishing it as the U.S. Government’s flagship international academic exchange program. Its alumni include more than 40 heads of state and government, approximately 60 Nobel laureates, numerous Pulitzer Prize winners, as well as prominent scientists, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and social leaders who have transformed institutions and societies around the globe.

As part of the event, a panel discussion was held featuring prominent Fulbright alumni whose careers reflect the transformative impact of the program across various sectors. Participants included Dr. Erik Pérez Vega, rector of Universidad APEC (UNAPEC), who shared his experience in strengthening Dominican higher education, and Ashley Morales, a geotechnical engineer and incoming vice president of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI), representing a new generation of professionals leading advancements in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The panel also featured Alison Grausam, program officer for Western Hemisphere Fulbright programs at the U.S. Department of State, who highlighted the program’s role as a strategic tool for strengthening academic cooperation and promoting American educational excellence.

The commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program takes on special meaning as it coincides with Freedom 250; both milestones reflect a shared vision: an ongoing commitment to freedom, innovation, leadership, public service, and the exchange of ideas as drivers of progress and international cooperation.

More than just a scholarship program, Fulbright represents an investment in people and their capacity to generate knowledge, build bridges between cultures, and develop solutions to common challenges. For eight decades, it has demonstrated that education and mutual understanding are essential tools for strengthening international relations and building more prosperous, resilient, and secure societies.

Agreement between UNICDA and ONAPI strengthens their commitment to innovation and industrial property

The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) and the National Office of Industrial Property (ONAPI) formalized an inter-institutional agreement to establish a Peripheral Technology and Innovation Support Center (TISC) at UNICDA.

This initiative will provide our academic community with access to tools, technological information, and specialized assistance in industrial property, with guidance in areas such as patents, distinctive signs, and specialized database searches.

The new center will also promote training sessions, workshops, and activities aimed at students, faculty, researchers, and entrepreneurs, providing them with resources to identify the potential of their projects, strengthen their innovation processes, and explore mechanisms to protect their creations.

The agreement was signed by Salvador Ramos, Director General of ONAPI, and Enrique Fernández, Rector of UNICDA, who highlighted the importance of facilitating the university community’s access to specialized services that contribute to the development of new ideas and solutions.

With the inclusion of UNICDA, the National Network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers now totals seven Peripheral TISCs in educational institutions across the country, strengthening the innovation, research, and intellectual property ecosystem in the Dominican Republic.

At UNICDA, we continue to forge alliances that turn knowledge and ideas into opportunities to transform our environment.

Hodelpa Hospitality and UNICDA launch Internship Program for Hospitality and Tourism students

With the aim of strengthening the connection between academic training and the professional world, Hodelpa Hospitality, in partnership with Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), officially launched its Internship Program—an initiative designed to provide Hospitality and Tourism students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at one of the sector’s leading hotel chains.

During the event, representatives from Hodelpa Hospitality introduced students of the Tourism and Hotel Business Administration program to the benefits and opportunities offered by the internship program, highlighting the company’s commitment to developing young talent and shaping future professionals in the tourism sector. As part of the session, two company employees shared their professional growth journeys, motivating attendees to seize this initiative as an opportunity to strengthen their skills, build competencies, and gain practical experience in a real-world work environment.

They also explained that students will have the opportunity to complete their internships at any of the hotels within the Hodelpa Hospitality group, located across various provinces throughout the country, allowing them to explore diverse operational areas and work in different settings within the hotel industry.

Through this initiative, UNICDA continues to enhance the comprehensive development of its students via strategic alliances that facilitate their entry into the job market. The university extends its gratitude to Hodelpa Hospitality for its commitment and trust in the talent of our students, contributing to the development of the future professionals of the hospitality and tourism sector.

Dominican American Cultural Institute strengthens inclusive education with English scholarships for the visually impaired

As part of its commitment to an education that opens doors and creates opportunities for all, the Dominican American Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano – ICDA) has granted English scholarships to visually impaired individuals who are beneficiaries of the National Blind Board (Patronato Nacional de Ciegos), promoting access to a second language as a tool for their academic, professional, and personal development.

The delivery ceremony was attended by Frank Abreu and Lucy Threan, representing the Board of Directors of the Dominican American Cultural Institute; Enrique A. Fernández Malla, M.A., executive director of the ICDA; Robert Valcin, director of the Language School; and Alexandra Valverde, scholarship manager. Representing the National Blind Board were Wilfred Mallén, first vice president; Melina Nolasco, technical director; along with a group representing the scholarship beneficiaries.

This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Dominican American Cultural Institute to promote a more inclusive and accessible education, making it easier for more people to strengthen their academic and professional skills through English language learning.

Through partnerships of this nature, the Dominican American Cultural Institute and the National Blind Board reaffirm their commitment to driving actions that help eliminate barriers and expand educational opportunities, supporting the comprehensive development of visually impaired individuals and fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

We celebrate Teacher’s Day by recognizing the vocation and commitment of our teachers

Aquí tienes una traducción fluida y natural al inglés, manteniendo el tono institucional y emotivo del mensaje original:

“At the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, we experienced a very special Teacher’s Day celebration, dedicated to recognizing those who, through their vocation and dedication, make our educational mission possible every single day.

Teachers from the university, the Language School, the school, and the preschool shared a moment of gratitude and togetherness, reminding us that teaching goes far beyond imparting knowledge: it is about inspiring, guiding, opening paths, and believing in the potential of every student.

Every class, every piece of advice, every challenge taken on with commitment, and every gesture of support leaves a mark that often transcends the classroom and lasts a lifetime.

Thank you for being a guide, an example, and a driving force for transformation. We celebrate your work, but above all, the human impact you generate every day in our community.

Language School celebrates its first 2026 graduation with two moving ceremonies

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The Language School of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano celebrated its first graduation of the year 2026 on June 25th with two consecutive ceremonies, recognizing the effort, dedication, and perseverance of the students who successfully completed their training programs.

Both events brought together graduates, family members, teachers, and institutional authorities to celebrate the conclusion of an important academic stage and the beginning of new personal and professional challenges.

The ceremonies began with welcoming remarks from the executive director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Alberto Fernández Malla, who urged the new graduates to continue building a future full of opportunities through language learning and continuous education.

Following this, faculty representative David Rodríguez delivered a message of congratulations, highlighting the discipline, commitment, and perseverance demonstrated by the graduates throughout their academic journey.

One of the most significant moments of the day was the participation of the honor students, who delivered moving speeches on behalf of their peers.

The presentation of diplomas and awards was the central moment of both graduations, celebrating the academic success of the students and the commitment demonstrated throughout their training.

Subsequently, the director of the Language School, Robert Valcin, led the closing remarks and the graduates’ oath. In the first ceremony, he was accompanied by Valerie Del Villar Mercedes, while in the second, he shared this significant moment with the representative of Juniors Advanced, Wanny Lorena Pujols Pimentel, symbolizing the end of a chapter and the new graduates’ commitment to their personal and professional development.

As a grand finale, both ceremonies featured the participation of the Coro Mixto Domínico Americano, conducted by Viterbo Peña, whose artistic performances filled the closing ceremony with solemnity and emotion.

The American Film Festival opens its lineup with a screening of Back to the Future

With a large turnout and an enthusiastic atmosphere, the American Film Festival opened with a screening of the iconic movie Back to the Future, a cinematic classic that continues to captivate and inspire audiences of all ages across generations.

The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Mr. Enrique Fernández Malla, Executive Director of ICDA and Rector of UNICDA, who highlighted the value of initiatives that promote learning and cultural exchange through cinema. Likewise, Ms. Amy Krusinger, Strategic Projects Coordinator of the United States Embassy in Santo Domingo, emphasized the importance of strengthening educational and cultural cooperation ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

The festival is part of the commemorative activities for the 250th anniversary of United States independence and is being held with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, reaffirming both institutions’ commitment to promoting spaces for connection, dialogue, and cultural enrichment.

The evening brought together cinema lovers, students, teachers, and community members, who enjoyed an experience that combined entertainment, history, and culture.

With this successful opening, the American Film Festival kicks off a lineup that will continue to bring the public closer to renowned film productions and strengthen the cultural exchange between both nations.

UNICDA commemorates its 25th anniversary with a keynote lecture by Vice President Raquel Peña

Aquí tienes una traducción profesional y fluida al inglés, ideal para un comunicado de prensa o artículo institucional:

Santo Domingo, D.N., June 26, 2026. The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) commemorated its 25th anniversary with the keynote lecture “Learning to Educate in a Changing World,” delivered by Her Excellency Raquel Peña, Constitutional Vice President of the Dominican Republic. The event brought together representatives from the Dominican government, the diplomatic corps, higher education institutions, as well as students and institutional allies, creating a space for reflection on the challenges facing education in a context of constant transformation.

The lecture was part of the commemorative program for UNICDA’s 25 years, a celebration that reaffirms the university’s commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and training professionals capable of responding to the demands of an ever-evolving world.

During her presentation, the Vice President of the Republic highlighted the importance and the government’s commitment to transforming the Dominican educational system to address the challenges of a constantly changing world, thereby ensuring sustainable development and social equity in the Dominican Republic.

“Education cannot walk with its back to the country. It must respond to the aspirations of its people and to the transformations of a world where technology, creativity, and knowledge are increasingly decisive,” she stated. At the same time, she listed some of the advancements already achieved under the administration of President Luis Abinader, such as: strengthening early childhood care, reducing the illiteracy rate, investing in school infrastructure, improving the School Feeding Program, and the impact of the National Student Transportation System (TRAE), which currently covers more than 94% of public sector enrollment.

Raquel Peña took the opportunity to congratulate the Universidad Domínico Americano for reaching a quarter of a century playing an exceptional role in the training of youth and professionals, and wished them success in the years to come.

At the conclusion of her remarks, Peña called for unity among the State, universities, technical institutes, the productive sector, and families to consolidate educational transformations and ensure that education remains the main driver of social mobility and national development.

For her part, the President of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Darys Estrella, highlighted the significance of this anniversary for the institution and the responsibility to continue promoting a transformative education.

“As we commemorate UNICDA’s 25 years, we look back with gratitude on the path traveled, but we also renew our commitment to continue contributing to an education capable of responding to present challenges and preparing new generations for the future,” Estrella expressed.

In his speech, the Rector of the Universidad Domínico Americano and Executive Director of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano, Enrique Fernández Malla, emphasized that UNICDA’s 25th anniversary represents an opportunity to reaffirm the institution’s commitment to an education capable of anticipating changes and responding to the country’s needs.

“If there is an institution that has known how to reinvent its way of educating as the world transforms, it is this one,” said Fernández Malla, noting that UNICDA is part of an educational ecosystem that accompanies individuals from early childhood to university and continuing education, with an academic offer that is permanently updated to meet the demands of the national and global environment.

At the conclusion of the event, the Universidad Domínico Americano honored Vice President Raquel Peña as a Distinguished Visitor, in recognition of her career in public service, her commitment to strengthening Dominican education, and her contributions to national development. The distinction was presented by members of the Board of Directors of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano and UNICDA’s academic authorities, along with the ICDA institutional pin and the university’s 25th anniversary commemorative pin.

About UNICDA
The Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA), founded in 2001, is part of the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano (ICDA), a binational institution created in 1947 to strengthen the ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States through education and culture. Throughout its 25-year history, UNICDA has established itself as a higher education institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and the comprehensive training of professionals with a global vision, contributing to the sustainable development of the country.

UNICDA and ManpowerGroup participated in a reforestation day in San Cristóbal

As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental protection, the Domínico Americano University (UNICDA), in collaboration with ManpowerGroup, carried out a reforestation day at Playa Najayo, in the municipality of Nigua, province of San Cristóbal, specifically at the Nigua Experimental Farm of the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU).

During the activity, 500 mahogany trees (Swietenia mahagoni) were planted. This species has been declared the National Tree of the Dominican Republic and is recognized for its ecological importance and its contribution to the conservation of natural resources.

The event featured the active participation of students and collaborators from UNICDA and ManpowerGroup, who joined efforts to contribute to ecosystem restoration and promote greater awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.

Additionally, the initiative was supported by technical representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, who provided specialized guidance to ensure the proper development of the planting and the positive impact of the activity in the area.

This reforestation day is part of the actions promoted by both institutions in favor of sustainable development, reaffirming their commitment to environmental protection and the promotion of a culture of social and environmental responsibility.