In early 2008, The Washington Center received major funding from Ford Motor Company to create The Ford Motor Company Global Scholars Program. 

The mission of the program is to develop future global leaders in the area of international community development by equipping participants with in-depth knowledge of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); providing them with resource, skills, mentorship and training to promote their professional success in their careers; and by learning ways in which they can contribute to the welfare of their communities.

The program is hosting 72 students in Washington, D.C., over a three-year period: 24 participants in the fall 2008, 2009 and 2010 semesters. Twelve international students from Salvador and Sao Paulo, Brazil; Chennai, India; Saint Petersburg, Russia; Johannesburg, South Africa and Hanoi, and Vietnam; and 12 U.S. students have already been selected to participate in the first year of the program.

The Ford Global Scholars will analyze mechanisms to continue advances on the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, learn how to facilitate strategic global partnerships, and promote best business practices to advance these MDGs. Among the issues they will examine include poverty, health, gender equality, access to education, the environment, and sustainability. The program also promotes the exchange of cultural knowledge and skills and provides a platform for structured conversation.

The 15-week program integrates a full-time internship placement with course instruction on international community development, and various programming including panel discussion, site visits, informational interview, workshops, simulations, and more, which will strengthen the knowledge base and capability of young leaders to make complex public policy decisions necessary to advance social issues in a global environment.