Ensuring Opportunity

The Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program class of 2023. (George W. Bush Presidential Center)

Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program
Nearly 100 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program alumni recently gathered at the Bush Center for the 2023 Alumni Reunion. This active network of alumni from four previous Veteran Leadership Program classes is made up of rising leaders – both veterans and nonveterans – from a wide range of sectors who are working to improve outcomes for the military-connected community.

State of Readiness in Texas
The Bush Institute’s education and opportunity team and Texas 2036 released a report spotlighting how eighth grade Texans stand to lose $104 billion in future earnings. The report, The State of Readiness: Are Texas Students Prepared for Life After High School?, provides recommendations on how to prepare Texas students for their futures.

Check-In surpasses 1,000 connections
Check-In, a tool developed by the Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance partners that easily connects veterans and their families to no-cost, high-quality, compassionate mental and brain health care, surpassed the milestone of connecting with over 1,000 veterans and their families this year.

Strengthening Our Democracy

Printing of the Declaration of Independence by Peter Force, 1831 on display at the George W. Bush Presidential Museum. (Andrew Kaufmann / George W. Bush Presidential Center)

Freedom Matters special exhibit
The George W. Bush Presidential Museum’s special exhibit, Freedom Matters, is currently open to the public. Tied closely to the Strengthening Our Democracy work at the Bush Institute, this exhibit showcases the importance of freedom in building peaceful societies, the work of advocates in changing the lives of millions, and the lessons learned from the study of history.

Presidential Centers Affirm that “Democracy Holds Us Together”
Presidential Foundations and Centers across the United States, for the first time, issued a joint statement earlier this month regarding the future of our nation and an urgent call to action for all Americans. The statement is a reminder of our nation’s values – assuring the American people that through civic engagement and respect for our neighbors, we will continue to create a more perfect union.

Presidential Leadership Scholars
The 2023 Presidential Leadership Scholars concluded this summer in Philadelphia, where 60 talented changemakers entered into the alumni network. PLS serves as a catalyst for a diverse network of professionals brought together to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Advancing Free Societies

President George W. Bush, former President of Tanzania Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, and 66th U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice at the Bush Center’s PEPFAR at 20 event. (George W. Bush Presidential Center)

Celebrating PEPFAR at 20
In February, the Bush Institute convened partners and stakeholders, congressional staffers and members, and other influencers to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the 25 million lives saved by the program.

The Struggle for Freedom series
The monthly series from Bush Institute Fellow Ellen Bork profiles democracy and human rights activists abroad who risk their freedom and their lives in pursuit of the same values that Americans enjoy. Bork provides ideas on what the West can do to support those fighting for freedom elsewhere.

Forum on Leadership

Forum on Leadership keynote conversation with Glenn Youngkin, 74th Governor of Virginia, and Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center. (George W. Bush Presidential Center)

In April, we hosted our sixth annual Forum on Leadership, which featured Glenn Youngkin, 74th Governor of Virginia, in a keynote conversation about governing in a polarized world with Ken Hersh, President and CEO of the Bush Center. The event also explored the topics of empowering the next generation and the future of American capitalism.