The Michigan Department of Education of Education and the Shiga Board of Education initiated the Michigan-Shiga Student Exchange program in 1990. the goal of the program was to expand the relationship between the two "sister" states, Michigan and Shiga. GATE programs have been administering the program on behalf of the State of Michigan since 1993. As an exchange program created specifically for high school students, it aims to create ties of friendship, education and understanding between the two states.