Empowering Students, Enriching Communities: Support the Career Support Grant

Thanks to the generous support of the Japanese Program’s alumni and friends like you, we launched the Career Support Grant in 2023 and awarded it to Bryant Lam (’25). Bryant, who had never been to Japan, used the grant to intern in Kihoku-chō, Mie Prefecture. There, he taught at an after-school program, assisted with local tourism, and helped organize community events, including the town’s lantern festival.

Initially uncertain about working in a remote town, Bryant left with a newfound appreciation for the power of community. His efforts were deeply valued by the locals, who are eager to welcome more students from our program in the future. Additionally, Bryant completed a short internship in Tokyo, assisting at an English conversation school, where he connected with students and left a positive impact.

Bryant will return to Japan for his final semester at UMass to study abroad and explore career opportunities there—a testament to the transformative impact of this grant.

We aim to continue this program to provide other passionate and hardworking students like Bryant with life-changing opportunities. Not only does it benefit students, but it also supports communities in Japan that may not have the resources to host interns otherwise. Furthermore, it inspires prospective students who are passionate about Japanese culture but hesitant due to concerns about career prospects.

Your contribution can make a difference. Together, we can nurture future leaders while building bridges between cultures.