The Bring Together Lithuania program, designed to introduce young people from the diaspora to modern Lithuania, is kicking off in Vilnius
- Bring Together Lithuania
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
On June 7, for the ninth consecutive year, 30 young people of Lithuanian descent arrived in Lithuania from countries around the world; they will spend six weeks here, completing internships at leading businesses, academic institutions, research centers, and non-governmental organizations, and participate in unique educational activities.
Since 2018, the Bring Together Lithuania program, founded and supported by the Kazickas Family Foundation, has invited young members of the Lithuanian diaspora to develop professional skills while strengthening their connection to Lithuania and exploring their family heritage.
As is tradition, the program’s official opening ceremony was held at the Kazickas family residence in Vilnius. Participants who had recently arrived in Lithuania were welcomed by the program’s founder and director, Kamilė Perminė, and Neila Baumilienė, Executive Director of the Kazickas Family Foundation in the United States.
The Kazickas Family Foundation has long been committed to supporting educational initiatives for young people in the Lithuanian diaspora. During the opening ceremony, the Foundation’s Executive Director, Neila Baumilienė, shared:
“It has always been important to the Kazickas family that young Lithuanians growing up abroad not only preserve their Lithuanian identity, but also have opportunities to build a meaningful connection with modern-day Lithuania. That is why it is especially rewarding to see Bring Together Lithuania bringing together talented young Lithuanians from around the world and helping them discover Lithuania not only through their heritage, but also through personal experiences, professional opportunities, and new relationships.”
The program is also supported by the Lithuanian Foundation, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, and individual program patrons. Ongoing collaboration between diaspora organizations and Lithuanian government institutions helps ensure the program’s continued growth and long-term success.
This year, the program attracted an exceptionally strong pool of applicants. Young people of Lithuanian heritage from New Zealand, the United States, Uruguay, Turkey, Ireland, Canada, and Argentina impressed organizers with their outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, and involvement in Lithuanian community organizations around the world.
From more than 100 applications, 30 participants were selected to take part in the program. Over the summer, they will complete internships across a wide range of fields, including life sciences, cybersecurity, finance, information technology, human resources, communications, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, and other industries.
Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet with government leaders, visit leading companies and organizations, and gain firsthand insight into modern Lithuania through educational activities, cultural experiences, and travel across the country.
“The program was launched with a clear vision: to help young members of the Lithuanian diaspora discover contemporary Lithuania through professional growth, meaningful connections, and real career opportunities. Today, we see that the program has become an important milestone in the careers of many participants, while Lithuania has become a place where they build professional networks, establish international partnerships, and often return to work, collaborate, or invest,” said Kamilė Perminė, Director of Bring Together Lithuania.
The program’s organizers take pride in building bridges between global Lithuanian talent and Lithuania’s future in partnership with some of the country’s leading companies and organizations. They emphasize that the program’s long-standing track record demonstrates the lasting impact of these connections, with many alumni choosing to return to Lithuania for career opportunities, collaboration, or long-term engagement.
The organizers remain committed to the program’s continued growth and development, ensuring that Bring Together Lithuania will keep empowering young people in the Lithuanian diaspora and strengthening their ties to Lithuania for years to come.
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