He stated these while welcoming 300 alumni of the Global Undergraduate exchange programme (Global Ugrad) to the first-ever alumni reunion. "There are so many impressive young people in Pakistan. Each of you is a talented representative of this nation's bright future," said Ambassador Olson. "To think that my country has had some role in advancing your education and helping your nation's prospects makes me very proud of our co-operation - and of you," he added.
He said that for the past three years, the US Embassy and US Education Foundation of Pakistan have sent 300 promising Pakistani students to study in the Untied States on the scholarships. He hoped that those students returned after studying in the US education institutions, would help the communities through their experiences.
Olson also called upon the students to work together to pull out the country of the present crisis and to make Pakistan that they need to be. "While you will face challenges, we promise...we will continue to support you", he added. The Global Ugrad programme sends students from non-elite backgrounds from all regions of Pakistan to the United States to study for one semester at a US university.
During the reunion, participants discussed their experiences in the United States and used what they learned to create service projects in their hometowns in Pakistan. At the end of the reunion, they will practice their commitment to community service by cleaning up a trail in the Margalla Hills, in collaboration with the Capital Development Authority.
Since 2010, the US Embassy has sent 400 Pakistani university students from non-elite backgrounds to the United States for one semester of undergraduate study. One hundred more students will depart in January. During their time in the United States, Global UGrad students gain the skills to implement long-term civic and economic changes in their communities.
The students undergo leadership training, training in their field of study, and participate in community service projects. Implemented by the US Educational Foundation in Pakistan, the Global Ugrad program in Pakistan is by far the largest US government undergraduate exchange program in the world.