The Moroccan-American Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (MACECE) and Dar America recently hosted a reception in Casablanca for representatives from over 25 US colleges and universities. The event was part of the EducationUSA Morocco outreach and partnerships program, which aims to connect American institutions with Moroccan students, schools, and universities. The program ran from October 4 to 6 in Casablanca and Rabat.
The reception brought together American higher education leaders, representatives from international K-12 schools in Morocco, diplomats from the US Mission to Morocco, Moroccan Fulbright alumni, and American Fulbright grantees. The event focused on building long-term institutional partnerships between Morocco and the US. It was also part of the Freedom 250 Initiative, which marks the 250th anniversary of American independence and 250 years of Moroccan-American friendship.
The relationship between Morocco and the US dates back to Morocco's recognition of US independence in 1777. The year 2026 also marks the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program. Participating US institutions included New York University, Fordham University, Temple University, and George Mason University, among others. Over 20 Moroccan Fulbright alumni attended the event, representing various universities across Morocco.
The Fulbright alumni now work as professors and doctoral researchers at universities such as Hassan II University of Casablanca, Ibn Tofail University, and Moulay Ismaïl University. Several alumni also graduated from institutions taking part in the outreach program, including New York University. Their participation brought former exchange students together with institutions connected to their academic careers in Morocco.
MACECE used the reception to meet with US institutions and discuss potential areas of cooperation. Talks covered hosting Moroccan Fulbright grantees on American campuses, cost-sharing, and other forms of institutional collaboration. The evening also celebrated the US's longstanding leadership in higher education, research, and innovation.
MACECE Executive Director Rebecca Geffner highlighted the diversity of American universities and colleges at the reception, representing a range of higher education strengths. She emphasized joint research, faculty and student mobility, and shared investment in talent as areas that can strengthen both countries' ability to innovate and compete.
US Consul General in Casablanca Christopher Deutsch noted that relationships between countries develop through people, with education playing a central role. He described Fulbright as an important part of the US Mission's work in Morocco, extending beyond the program itself to impact generations of Moroccans and Americans.
Key points
- The event aimed to strengthen academic ties between Morocco and the US through institutional partnerships.
- The reception celebrated the 250th anniversary of American independence and 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program.
- Over 25 US universities participated in the reception, discussing potential areas of cooperation with Moroccan institutions.
