Center for Global Understanding, Muslim American Internships

The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) is a national non-profit, non-advocacy organization designed to be a resource for public and private organizations seeking knowledge about Islam and Muslims through an Islamic Expert Scholars program and to encourage Muslim American students to participate in civic engagement.

CFGU's philosophy is based on solid existing research, such as the recommendations put forth by The Chicago Council on Global Affairs' task force report published in June 2007: "Strengthening America: The Civic and Political Integration of Muslim Americans."

Undertaking a wide range of efforts to further public understanding
"Demystifying Islam for the general public will require greater initiatives by many different Muslim American groups and other American organizations, working separately and in partnership."

Cultivate the next generation of Muslim American Leaders
"Young Muslim Americans are also not as fully engaged as other American youth in U.S. political and civic life. Developing the leadership potential and professional skills of young Muslim Americans is crucial to creating an informed, seasoned, and capable group of leaders who can contribute to the betterment of the nation as a whole. Engaging young Muslim Americans in civic life is also a critical factor in reducing the potential for alienation."

CFGU will accomplish its work:

By connecting Islamic Experts Scholars to the public and private sector as well community groups to discuss and advise on current events in the Muslim world and Islam through its Islamic Expert Scholars Program.

By encouraging Muslim American students at North American Universities to participate in civic engagement through its Internship program. We have partnered with The Washington Center (TWC) for Internships and Academic Seminars to work together to cultivate the next generation of Muslim American Leaders.

CFGU will distinguish itself by its integrated approach to problem solving and by working with existing organizations to accomplish its goals rather than re-invent the wheel.

Congressman Keith Ellison

The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) and the Washington Center (TWC) provide college students with experiences and first-hand knowledge on how our government functions. It is an excellent opportunity for Muslim American students to engage in meaningful civic opportunities whether they are in Public health, Finance, Law or Public Policy.

Congressman Mike Honda

The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) offers a unique opportunity for our nation’s Muslim youth to experience civic engagement first hand. I support CFGU and its goals to strengthen our nation, in the public and private sectors, through its diversity and coalition building.

Actor/Comedian Maz Jobrani

It is critical that Muslim American youth participate in civic engagement and get the first hand experience in the workings of our democratic institutions. The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) through its Washington D.C. Internship program offers an excellent...

Congressman Andre Carson

The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) program offers a unique opportunity to our nation's Muslim American youth. Here they get a chance to experience first-hand civic engagement on how bills become laws and ways to participate in public policy.