Top Nav

Hero Image Slides for Primary Section

Primary Section

BECAUSE THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION IS UNDERSTANDING

Get connected to a powerful local resource for international relations, global education and cultural competency. Whether you’re traveling to sister cities or participating in community programs, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of different cultures that can help foster a more peaceful, prosperous world. Learn more.

Secondary Section

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

Our global education programs are designed to support lifelong learning and cultural competence. We’re not just making people smarter. We’re making the world better.

Learn more


 

Generation Hope Laptop Program Kicks Off New Year

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities

October marks the kick off for the Generation Hope laptop program. Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to be the international component for this program, which was founded by Commissioner Roy C. Brooks four years ago. The program provides laptop computers to low income middle school students.

Fort Worth has partnered with educators and students in Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland to facilitate communications with the Gen Hope students. This year, students from Tec de Monterrey in Toluca, Mexico, will blog with 8th grade students from the Gen Hope program. The students will talk with each other about their cultures, their lives, and what school is like in their countries. Sister Cities and Gen Hope also conduct a sister cities day in December, when the students are required to combine learning about how to use power point presentation with researching information about all eight of Fort Worth’s sister cities. They develop presentations which are impressive.

Fort Worth Sister Cities is looking forward to furthering the connection with Gen Hope. We hope they have another great year.

About Gen Hope: The Generation Hope Laptop Program was designed to educate and enhance students’ ability to use technology to achieve academic success. In the fall of 2010, the Generation Hope Laptop Program provided laptops and structured curriculum to over 260 sixth and seventh grade students across eleven schools in the Crowley, Everman, and Fort Worth Independent School Districts. ”The mission of Generation Hope Laptop Program is to nurture, empower and develop the whole child by leveraging technology with computer involvement and global awareness to brighten their life possibilities.”

2012-09-25 08:58

Generation Hope Laptop Program Kicks Off New Year

October marks the kick off for the Generation Hope laptop program. Fort Worth Sister Cities is proud to be the international component for this program, which was founded by Commissioner Roy C. Brooks four years ago. The program provides laptop computers to low income middle school students.

Fort Worth has partnered with educators and students in Toluca, Mexico and Mbabane, Swaziland to facilitate communications with the Gen Hope students. This year, students from Tec de Monterrey in Toluca, Mexico, will blog with 8th grade students from the Gen Hope program. The students will talk with each other about their cultures, their lives, and what school is like in their countries. Sister Cities and Gen Hope also conduct a sister cities day in December, when the students are required to combine learning about how to use power point presentation with researching information about all eight of Fort Worth’s sister cities. They develop presentations which are impressive.

Fort Worth Sister Cities is looking forward to furthering the connection with Gen Hope. We hope they have another great year.

About Gen Hope: The Generation Hope Laptop Program was designed to educate and enhance students’ ability to use technology to achieve academic success. In the fall of 2010, the Generation Hope Laptop Program provided laptops and structured curriculum to over 260 sixth and seventh grade students across eleven schools in the Crowley, Everman, and Fort Worth Independent School Districts. ”The mission of Generation Hope Laptop Program is to nurture, empower and develop the whole child by leveraging technology with computer involvement and global awareness to brighten their life possibilities.”

Trier, Germany and Fort Worth, TX Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth and Trier signed as sister cities in June of 1987. Join the celebration this month to commemorate 25 years of friendship with Trier and enjoy German food, music, culture and friendship. The celebration will be held  at Greenwood’s German and European Restaurant, 3522 Blue Bonnet Circle (76109) on Tuesday, Oct. 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring your favorite Trier photos to share with the group.  Details about cost for food and drinks to follow. RSVP deadline is Friday, Oct. 26th.

2012-09-25 08:55

Trier, Germany and Fort Worth, TX Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Fort Worth and Trier signed as sister cities in June of 1987. Join the celebration this month to commemorate 25 years of friendship with Trier and enjoy German food, music, culture and friendship. The celebration will be held  at Greenwood’s German and European Restaurant, 3522 Blue Bonnet Circle (76109) on Tuesday, Oct. 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Bring your favorite Trier photos to share with the group.  Details about cost for food and drinks to follow. RSVP deadline is Friday, Oct. 26th.

Sister Cities Sends Young Professionals to Japan on Business Exchange

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Delegates depart October 2—12 for mentorship program Fort Worth Sister Cities  will be sending eight delegates to Nagaoka, Japan next month as part of the Young Professionals Japanese  Business Mentorship Program.  The selected delegates will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka while being home hosted to gain a cultural perspective. The participants include:
  • Marguerite Allen, City of Fort Worth, Economic Development Dept.
  • Hannah Behrens, HGC Real Estate Services
  • Monica Germinario, Refugee One
  • Will Northern, Northern Realty Group
  • Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
  • Anette Soto, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Deborah Sutton, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business
“These eight delegates will represent Fort Worth both professionally and diplomatically. We are delighted to have them participating in this project and are eager to have them bring back information to share with our business community,” said  Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The purpose of the program is to build a sustainable business model with Japan while learning how to work in an international environment.  The delegates will gain international work        experience, expanded business networks, Japanese protocol training  and a perspective on   global marketplaces.

2012-09-17 04:34

Sister Cities Sends Young Professionals to Japan on Business Exchange

Fort Worth, TX — Delegates depart October 2—12 for mentorship program Fort Worth Sister Cities  will be sending eight delegates to Nagaoka, Japan next month as part of the Young Professionals Japanese  Business Mentorship Program.  The selected delegates will work for ten days alongside their counterparts in Nagaoka while being home hosted to gain a cultural perspective. The participants include:

  • Marguerite Allen, City of Fort Worth, Economic Development Dept.
  • Hannah Behrens, HGC Real Estate Services
  • Monica Germinario, Refugee One
  • Will Northern, Northern Realty Group
  • Dr. Michael Roemer, Trinity Valley School
  • Anette Soto, U. S. Dept. of Transportation
  • Deborah Sutton, Northwestern Mutual
  • Tracy Williams, TCU Neely School of Business
“These eight delegates will represent Fort Worth both professionally and diplomatically. We are delighted to have them participating in this project and are eager to have them bring back information to share with our business community,” said  Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. The purpose of the program is to build a sustainable business model with Japan while learning how to work in an international environment.  The delegates will gain international work        experience, expanded business networks, Japanese protocol training  and a perspective on   global marketplaces.

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol.  They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

2012-09-17 10:16

Arlington Heights High School Hosting Students from Bandung, Indonesia

Twelve high school students and two teachers from Bandung, Indonesia will spend two weeks in Fort Worth hosted by Arlington Heights High School as part of the Sister Cities Ambassador School Program October 20th – November 2nd. The goal of the exchange is to provide an international experience that will further promote global understanding, provide an opportunity to share cultural heritage and traditions, learn about the U.S. educational system and develop new international friendships while gaining a personal experience of living with a Fort Worth host family. As part of a reciprocal exchange, Bandung is inviting high school students from Arlington Heights and all area Fort Worth students to their city in June 2013 to further enrich this international program. The Bandung students have also been invited by the Indonesian Consulate in Houston for a weekend to tour NASA and to participate in their local Indonesian Festival where they will perform a cultural dance. They will also tour Austin and the State Capitol.  They will conclude their stay with a full knowledge of Texas history led by Arlington Heights German teacher Cody Cox for this weekend trip to Houston and Austin.

Danke Shon Simon Kohl

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you. Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler

2012-09-17 08:56

Danke Shon Simon Kohl

We have had the pleasure of working with a wonderful international intern from Trier, Germany for three months. Simon Kohl leaves us this month to return to Germany and his studies. We appreciate all his hard work managing the different international and educational projects in our office. Also, a huge thank you to his host families, Professor Jeffrey and Heather Todd and Katie Sherrod and Gayland Poole for making him feel so welcome and for giving him a place to call home. Danke and auf wiedersehen Simon. We’ll miss you. Simon Kohl with Trier City Chair Michael Bennett and Director Emeritus Hilde Horchler

Mayor Betsy Price to Host Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX— Celebrity dancers announced As Honorary Chair of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Mayor Betsy Price will again host the annual Mayor’s International Dinner Nov. 1st at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel to raise funds for educational, cultural and business opportunities for the citizens of Fort Worth. The dancers are rehearsing, the chef is cooking and early voting has started for the Best Dancers at this year’s event. The winning couple will be selected by audience votes at the dinner and online  prior to the event at www.fwsistercities.org. This year’s line up of local celebrity dancers include: Swing—Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton, Greg & Jeanine Ricks and Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard Waltz—Bob & Sally Parmelee, Charlie & Beverly Powell, Marshall & Annette Searcy, and Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett. Tango—Joe Berry & Janee Harrell, Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell, Travis & Catharine DeVault, and JaMarcus Perdue & Stephanie Flesher. Disco—St. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock, Steve & Rebecca Montgomery, Mayor Ken & Ashley Shetter, and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson. New this year are the “Stompin’ Studs” dancing with Mayor Price. This group of community leaders will perform to a wild and energetic song but will not compete for votes. They include: Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Carlo Capua, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, T. D. Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead, Lee Rogers, and Henry Borbolla. “This is going to be an event you do not want to miss. These guys are well-known in Fort Worth but you don’t usually see them perform a dance routine for a crowd of 500 people,“ said Michael Guyton, this year’s Dinner Chair and Vice President of ONCOR. For information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase individual tickets at $150 each contact Sister Cities at 817.632-7100 or email Eva.

2012-09-12 09:17

Mayor Betsy Price to Host Dancing with the Sister Cities Stars!

Fort Worth, TX— Celebrity dancers announced As Honorary Chair of Fort Worth Sister Cities, Mayor Betsy Price will again host the annual Mayor’s International Dinner Nov. 1st at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel to raise funds for educational, cultural and business opportunities for the citizens of Fort Worth. The dancers are rehearsing, the chef is cooking and early voting has started for the Best Dancers at this year’s event. The winning couple will be selected by audience votes at the dinner and online  prior to the event at www.fwsistercities.org. This year’s line up of local celebrity dancers include: Swing—Councilman Dennis & Cindy Shingleton, Greg & Jeanine Ricks and Kyle Arnold & Andrea Ballard Waltz—Bob & Sally Parmelee, Charlie & Beverly Powell, Marshall & Annette Searcy, and Capt. Rob & Lori Bennett. Tango—Joe Berry & Janee Harrell, Clint Riley & Kelly Campbell, Travis & Catharine DeVault, and JaMarcus Perdue & Stephanie Flesher. Disco—St. Rep. Kelly & Robin Hancock, Steve & Rebecca Montgomery, Mayor Ken & Ashley Shetter, and Fred Slabach & Melany Neilson. New this year are the “Stompin’ Studs” dancing with Mayor Price. This group of community leaders will perform to a wild and energetic song but will not compete for votes. They include: Bob Jameson, David Goodroe, Glen Hahn, Greg Kalina, Carlo Capua, Andy Taft, Robert Sturns, David Parker, Matt Graves, T. D. Smyers, Chris Edwards, Chief Jeff Halstead, Lee Rogers, and Henry Borbolla. “This is going to be an event you do not want to miss. These guys are well-known in Fort Worth but you don’t usually see them perform a dance routine for a crowd of 500 people,“ said Michael Guyton, this year’s Dinner Chair and Vice President of ONCOR. For information about sponsorship opportunities and to purchase individual tickets at $150 each contact Sister Cities at 817.632-7100 or email Eva.

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

2012-08-31 10:01

Fort Worth Awarded International Friendly City

Fort Worth, TX — Chinese Sister City Makes Recommendation Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price was recently notified that the City of Fort Worth will receive the award as the 2012 International Friendly City at the China Friendship Cities Conference in Chengdu, China next month. Guiyang, China, Fort Worth’s newest sister city, made the nomination after only 12 months of on-going youth and adult programs and exchanges since signing the official  city agreement in October 2011. “On behalf of the City Council and citizens of Fort Worth, I want to thank Guiyang for this nomination.  We are delighted that our newest sister city feels that Fort Worth    deserves this honor. Friendliness is strongly valued in our city, and we are humbled by this recognition. Thank you, City of Guiyang, for your friendship and kindness,” said Mayor Price. The conference, where the award will be presented, is hosted by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China International Friendship Cities Association.  Topics at the conference will include development strategies in cities, emergency relief, aging populations and economic initiatives. Sister Cities International will send a delegation of board members to the conference and Tom Lisk, Chairman of the Board, will accept the award on behalf of Mayor Price and the citizens of Fort Worth. In 2010, a delegation of Sister Cities board members, representatives from the Fort Worth Chamber, City of Fort Worth and local business leaders visited China to determine which city to invite as Fort Worth’s 8th sister city.  Upon a recommendation from the group, the Fort Worth city council unanimously selected Guiyang, China.

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year.  They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School.  These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders.  Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other  international initiatives.  We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

2012-08-30 03:04

Ambassador Middle Schools Bring 35 Japanese Students to Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, TX— Sister Cities Partnering With 3 Fort Worth Schools Fort Worth Sister Cities International announced the Ambassador Middle Schools for 2012 earlier this year.  They include Daggett Montessori, Fort Worth Academy and Trinity Valley School.  These schools will host 35 students and teachers in September on this annual international exchange initiative. Fort Worth Sister Cities established the Ambassador Middle School program in 1991 partnering with local public and private schools to promote international education. The goal of the Ambassador Middle School program is to provide Fort Worth teachers with creative teaching tools in order to prepare students as future leaders.  Through participation in the program, students gain critical skills and experiences necessary to succeed in a global society. “The Fort Worth ISD is proud to partner with Sister Cities on this program, as well as many other  international initiatives.  We want to give our students the best opportunity possible to be successful,” said Superintendent Walter Dansby. While at the Ambassador Schools the Japanese students will attend classes, participate in cultural activities and be home hosted by families from the participating schools.  Through this unique experience they will learn about our language and culture, as well as educational system, and develop new friendships.

Proposed City Budget Contains No Funding for Sister Cities

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
Fort Worth, TX—Nation’s Best Program in Jeopardy The City of Fort Worth’s proposed FY2012/13 budget contains no funding for Fort Worth Sister Cities.   This total cut in funding may seriously jeopardize Fort Worth Sister Cities’ continued existence. After a meeting in which the Mayor indicated further consideration of funding may be given,  Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are hopeful the funding will be directly designated in the budget so that we can continue to provide award-winning programs on behalf of the City.” Fort Worth has been recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. from the national organization eight times, more than any other city in the U.S. “Since starting Fort Worth Sister Cities in 1985 during my mayoral term, I have watched Sister Cities grow youth leadership programs, travel exchanges and business expansions around the world,” said former Mayor Bob Bolen. Sister city relationships are municipal government agreements recognized by the U.S. Dept. of State.  Fort Worth has eight such recognized official agreements signed by Mayors of Fort Worth beginning in 1985.  Sister Cities, who manages these relationships, received $100,000 from the City this year which is 20% of its core budget. Fort Worth Sister Cities programs yield an annual economic impact of $2.6 million to the City of Fort Worth hosting over 500 visitors annually.   It leverages international relationships to attract economic connections and tourism.

2012-08-21 08:11

Proposed City Budget Contains No Funding for Sister Cities

Fort Worth, TX—Nation’s Best Program in Jeopardy The City of Fort Worth’s proposed FY2012/13 budget contains no funding for Fort Worth Sister Cities.   This total cut in funding may seriously jeopardize Fort Worth Sister Cities’ continued existence. After a meeting in which the Mayor indicated further consideration of funding may be given,  Brad Mahon, Chairman of the Board stated, “We are hopeful the funding will be directly designated in the budget so that we can continue to provide award-winning programs on behalf of the City.” Fort Worth has been recognized as having the Best Overall Program in the U.S. from the national organization eight times, more than any other city in the U.S. “Since starting Fort Worth Sister Cities in 1985 during my mayoral term, I have watched Sister Cities grow youth leadership programs, travel exchanges and business expansions around the world,” said former Mayor Bob Bolen. Sister city relationships are municipal government agreements recognized by the U.S. Dept. of State.  Fort Worth has eight such recognized official agreements signed by Mayors of Fort Worth beginning in 1985.  Sister Cities, who manages these relationships, received $100,000 from the City this year which is 20% of its core budget. Fort Worth Sister Cities programs yield an annual economic impact of $2.6 million to the City of Fort Worth hosting over 500 visitors annually.   It leverages international relationships to attract economic connections and tourism.

An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers

Posted on by Fort Worth Sister Cities
It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you.  The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place. Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States. Sincerely,  

2012-07-30 08:50

An Open Letter to the International Leadership Academy host families, teachers, facilitators, interns and volunteers

It is difficult to believe that the Fort Worth Sister Cities International Leadership Academy and Jr. Academy have come to a close and that the 125 participants have returned home – hopefully with wonderful stories of friendship and exciting activities they experienced while in Fort Worth. Because of this experience, you and they are forever changed. On behalf of the board of directors, staff and our members, Sister Cities sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to each and every one of you.  The things you did, from unloading linens for the dorms to taking a host son or daughter for the week or weekend, to teaching a hip hop dance or art class, your contribution exemplifies commitment to our mission of respect and understanding of other cultures and your desire to make the world a better place. Danke, Domo, Xie Xie, Terimah Kashi, köszönöm , Gracias, Grazie, and Ngiyabonga, to each of you for contributing your time, energy, and financial resources to continue this award-winning academy. The Sister Cities community is an impressive one. Because of you and others in our network, we are recognized as having the best program in the United States. Sincerely,