Our current focus is on Leadership Development for the underrepresented communities at our private and public institutions starting with Muslim Americans. Plans are underway to reach out to African American, Asian American and Hispanic American students.

CFGU's focus on Muslim Americans is based on 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."

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."

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."

As part of our First Initiative to cultivate the next generation of American Leaders we encourage college level students to spend a quarter or semester in Washington D.C. Students will gain valuable insight and knowledge about the operation of our democratic institutions, which is vital for any future leader. CFGU has partnered with The Washington Center (TWC) for Internships and Academic Seminars to provide placement, housing and financial assistance to the students. Please click here to access the Leadership section..

We have partnered with Loyola Marymount University (LMU) in Los Angeles to develop a comprehensive database of Islamic Scholars in North America to implement the Second Initiative. We have spent two years in developing the database which is available for public use. It is regularly updated as more scholars are added to the database. Please click here to access the database.