The mission includes empowering Russian citizens to transform their personal well being, their businesses and their local economies. Further, the mission includes inspiring American citizens to volunteer their business expertise, homes and energy to deliver personalized foreign assistance in their own businesses and communities. PEP is based on a profound faith in the extraordinary capability of ordinary citizens and the transforming power of newly-communicated ideas. We hold the conviction that sharing technical expertise, business management and culture from personal,altruistic motives has far greater impact than delivering technical assistance for financial gain. We, the PEP staff, dedicate ourselves to remember daily the spirit of our mission and the long-term impact our efforts will have in the businesses and personal lives of the Russians and Americans with whom we will work.
PEP is primarily a training program for Russian entrepreneurs.
In addition to business knowledge, PEP participants gain an understanding of democracy and community service. PEP facilitates cultural exchange and friendships between Americans and Russians, and motivates Russian business people to persevere through economic crises. The delegates must meet rigorous criteria and compete for limited slots. With guidelines and support from CCI, they create a business training schedule, arrange for home hosting, provide local transportation, and participate in a cultural exchange with their Russian guests. PEP is a unique hands-on international and vocational service project that enables volunteers to have a personal and educational exchange without ever leaving home.