Believe it or not, USAP is turning 25! This year marks 25 years of USAP changing lives, shaping futures, and proving that indeed Education Matters. To celebrate this incredible milestone, we are turning the spotlight on our inspiring alumni, passionate Education Matters supporters, and global USAP family and friends. USAP is a community which spans over two decades of global access, academic excellence, professional impact, resilience, and the powerful bonds among the USAP family.
The United Students Achievers Program (USAP) was originally launched in 1999 by our Director, Rebecca Zeigler Mano, then the EducationUSA Country Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe. USAP began with the aim of providing access to higher education for determined, bright, low-income youth, producing highly-skilled and liberally-educated leaders for tomorrow’s Zimbabwe. The program has expanded over the years under Education Matters to include the USAP Community School, Zimbabwe Career Connect programs, TWEENS in Tongogara Refugee Camp and alumni networks across the African continent, Europe, Canada, the United States and beyond. During this time, over 1000+ students have received educational access opportunities through USAP and Education Matters.
Throughout 2025 both online and in person, we will be showcasing powerful stories, and the extraordinary impact USAP has made across the world. As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we are inviting everyone to celebrate with us, including, our alumni family and Education Matters supporters throughout the year:
- Sharing our Stories of Impact Virtually
We will be showcasing USAP alumni from across the 25 years asking them about their lives of impact and the role USAP has played in their journey. Get ready for exciting and inspiring video clips of USAP alumni on our social media channels!
We will also be hosting webinars that share expertise from panels USAP alumni in a variety of sectors, from global health and scientific research, to investment and infrastructure to education and the arts.
A message to our USAP alumni:
- Celebration Hubs: Reconnect In Person
We are not only celebrating online, but this summer, we are coming together in person to celebrate USAP at 25 and raise funds to sustain USAP Community School.
We will hold fundraising events during the month of July in:
- Boston
- Washington, D.C.
- San Francisco Bay Area
- And we encourage you to host a celebratory summer gathering in your city!
Each event will be a chance to reunite with supporters and fellow alumni, connect across generations, and celebrate the legacy you all have helped create and sustain. Expect joy, memories, and maybe even a few surprises. Dates coming soon! - Lace Up Those “Trainers”! The USAP Annual Run/Walk//Cycle on Saturday, September 20!
Get your run/hike/cycle shoes ready for our annual wellness event. This year we plan to raise pledges and funds while we challenge one another to run/walk/hike/cycle in larger numbers and for more km! Rumour has it someone is even planning a 250 mile walk!
As alumni you are proof that access and education changes lives for individuals, families and communities. Whether you were part of the cohorts when USAP was a program at the Embassy or just graduated from the USAP Community School, whether you have been supporting us for years or just started last month, this celebration is for you. USAP is 25 and we want to celebrate our anniversary all year in style!
