On March 1, 2023, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited a group of secondary school students learning English in U.S. Embassy Tashkent’s newest English Access Microscholarship Program (Access), the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan reports.

Launched at the Uzbekistan State World Languages University (UWL) in November 2022, the two-year Access program gives bright students from economically-disadvantaged families a foundation in English through after-school lessons and summer intensive sessions that boost their English and knowledge of the United States.

Secretary Blinken met 12 students, ages 14-16, who demonstrated what they have learned about the U.S. holiday, President’s Day, and their ability to answer questions about their favorite movies, foods, and hobbies. The Embassy supports 17 other Access programs across Uzbekistan reaching more than 700 students.