Since it began 18 years ago, more than 2,000 professionals representing 140 countries have participated in this non-degree program. About 110 fellows are assigned to about 11 host universities each year. The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program was initiated in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter to honor his close friend, the late senator and vice president, a long-time advocate of international cooperation and understanding. President Carter saw the program as a means to support the development of both public and private sector professionals who were committed to public service in their countries. Fellows are nominated by the United States Information Service or Fulbright Commission based on their potential for leadership.
Final selection is made in the United States by panels of experts.
Awards are made by the J. William Fulbright Scholarship Board. Besides the epidemiology and public health policy and management focuses at Emory University and Tulane University, fellows at other campuses concentrate on topics that include economics and finance, public policy, agricultural development, natural resources and environmental management, technology policy and management, journalism, communications, urban and regional planning, and substance abuse.