The mission of the African Studies Program is to promote the interdisciplinary study and research of Africa as an area of concentration for students and faculty interested in African affairs and the African experience. This is in strong support of the University Center for International Studies’ mission to integrate and reinforce all the strands of international scholarship in the University in research, teaching and public service. African Studies coordinates both the undergraduate and graduate certificate programs designed to provide students with opportunities to expand and widen their knowledge of Africa as a world region, and foster a greater understanding of the forces that shape the extremely diverse and richly endowed continent. The program also serves the wider Pittsburgh community through outreach to schools, church communities, private businesses and non-profit organizations to meet their needs as they seek to engage with the continent. African language training and the coordination of country-and region-specific seminars on contemporary topics are also key components of the Program’s efforts to meet the demands of individuals and institutions seeking to expand their engagement with the continent.