Zofia Chmielewska, a rising junior at North Broward Preparatory School in Coconut Creek, has been awarded the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship for the 2025–2026 academic year. She is one of only 210 students across the United States selected for this honor.
Zofia is passionate about international affairs and inter-cultural understanding. At school, she has been an active member of Model United Nations, serving as a Head Delegate. Her interests also extend to environmental advocacy. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Broward Sierra Group’s Junior Team. Zofia is also interested in computer science and has competed in multiple programming competitions. In her spare time, she enjoys creating art, spending time outdoors, and solving programming challenges in Java.
She is thrilled about the opportunity to travel to Germany and explore its environmental initiatives and rich cultural history. “I can’t wait to make new friends and immerse myself in the German culture!” she said.
The CBYX program is a long-standing bilateral exchange initiative jointly sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the German Bundestag (Parliament). Administered by the nonprofit Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), the program aims to promote mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the two nations.
As part of the program, American high school students spend a full academic year in Germany, living with host families and attending local schools. In addition to daily immersion in German language and culture, participants visit the Bundestag, meet with U.S. and German government representatives, attend inter-cultural seminars, and travel to historic and culturally significant locations across the country.
The program is reciprocal. German students also come to the United States to study and live with American families. Since its founding in 1983, more than 30,000 students have participated, making CBYX one of the most respected youth exchange programs in the world.
Zofia’s selection highlights her academic excellence and dedication to global citizenship, qualities that align perfectly with the mission of the CBYX program.
For more info on the CBYX program: www.usagermanyscholarship.org
