On Thursday, at the Palácio da Conceição, the President of the Azores Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, presided over the signing of the protocol creating the FLAD Summer Program – Azores, an initiative resulting from a partnership between the Regional Government, the University of the Azores, and the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD).

The leader of the Azorean executive highlighted the “strengthening of FLAD’s presence in the Azores,” emphasizing that this commitment reflects “solidarity and support that honors the region and continues the historical relations” with the Azorean-descendant community in the United States. The President of the Government also made a point of recognizing the work of FLAD President Nuno Morais Sarmento, whom he credited with “an ever-increasing attitude and involvement with the Azores,” which, he said, “clearly shows the importance that the Region has for the Foundation.”

The signed protocol guarantees funding for scholarships for young Portuguese-Americans of Azorean origin who, over the next two years, will be able to attend summer courses at the University of the Azores. The goal is to bring these young people closer to their roots, reinforcing their knowledge of the archipelago’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage, while fostering scientific collaboration and cultivating a spirit of leadership.

The leader of the Azorean executive branch recalled that the Region has sought to maintain close ties with the diaspora, arguing that it is essential “not to lose identity, nor to forget the memory and longing that unite Azoreans scattered around the world.” Despite this, he stressed that the focus is on “the future,” noting that the Azores today have “more future than past,” and is convinced that this program will deepen knowledge of the archipelago’s potential and strengthen the transatlantic relationship between Portugal and the United States.

The President of the Government expressed confidence in the results of the protocol, signed in the year in which FLAD celebrates its 40th anniversary, considering it another step toward strengthening relations between the Foundation, the Region, and the Azorean communities abroad.

The document was signed by José Manuel Bolieiro, the Rector of the University of the Azores, Susana Mira Leal, and the President of FLAD, Nuno Morais Sarmento.

From Press Release

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.