Midwestern United States Resources

The Midwestern region of the United States is the leading agricultural center, transportation hub and the seat of widespread capital formation through its several commodity exchanges. It is home to research centers such as the University of Chicago and the Argonne National Laboratory, as well as leading land grant institutions including the University of Illinois. Twenty percent of the fortune 500 corporations are headquartered in Chicago and the surrounding area. Its cultural centers include world-class symphonies and art collections. The culturally diverse communities of the Midwest provide the region with a strong and skilled labor force.

Heartland International draws upon these resources in the design and implementation of its international programs. Examples of this type of cooperation between Heartland International and the resources of the Midwestern United States include the following:

• Educational - Heartland International, with the Office for Democracy Studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, designed and implemented a comprehensive Civic Education Program in Eastern and Southern Africa.

• Government - Heartland International, in cooperation with the Illinois General Assembly, has designed and implemented numerous international training programs for legislators, legislative staff, government officials and nongovernmental organization leaders from around the world.

• Business - Over 200 Chicago-area businesses--from storefront to Fortune 500--have provided business placements for Heartland International's Community Connections Program participants.

• Cultural -- Participants in Heartland International's training programs have experienced Chicago-style Blues, attended Chicago Symphony Orchestra performances, stayed in American homes, visited Midwestern rural communities and explored the ethnic diversity of its urban cities.

more