Rakuten launches global scholars program

E-commerce site Rakuten is expanding its corporate social responsibility efforts with several scholarship opportunities in Japan and around the world.



The cornerstone of its new efforts is its Global Citizens Summit, which will bring together 24 students from around the world at Boston’s Harvard Faculty Club from Aug. 2 to 9. The summit is being hosted with assistance from nonprofit Global Citizens Initiative, which works to build leaders among students, and the participants will meet throughout the week to discuss global issues.



So far, five students from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, France and Iran have been chosen for the summit.



Rakuten is also focusing on domestic activities, partnering with nonprofit ETIC to develop a program similar to the Global Citizens Summit. Additionally, the company is planning on partnering with other nonprofits for student internships.