CIEE Takes Over Farther Foundation to Enhance Study Abroad Access for Chicago Students

CIEE's New Role in Supporting Chicago Students' Global Experiences

In a commendable alignment of missions, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) has recently taken over the stewardship of the Farther Foundation's resources and objectives, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underprivileged students in the Chicago area. Announced on February 10, 2026, this partnership aims to establish the Farther Foundation Scholarship Fund, a substantial endowment dedicated to supporting low-income high school students in their pursuit of global learning experiences.

The initiative will see CIEE matching the contributions of the Farther Foundation, creating a robust scholarship fund of approximately $2 million. This fund is earmarked solely for enabling students from the Greater Chicago area to pursue transformative study abroad opportunities. This endeavor is especially significant as it emerges during a time when many students encounter barriers due to systemic inequities and disinvestment that thwart their academic and personal ambitions.

The Farther Foundation, which was founded in Chicago in 2008, has established itself as a vital force in providing scholarships to students from communities historically marked by inequities. Each year, the foundation awards up to $100,000 in scholarships, helping to open doors to international educational travel that broadens horizons and inspires ambition. With 2026 being the final year of the Farther Foundation's independent operations, CIEE will assume responsibility for the foundation's mission starting September 1, 2026.

In a statement reflecting the essence of this partnership, David Weindling, President and Executive Director of the Farther Foundation, emphasized the dire need to provide equitable opportunities for students who otherwise face limitations based on race, ethnicity, and other non-academic factors. He stated, “By joining forces with CIEE, we will create lasting access to transformative global education programs that help students break free from these constraints and experience the wider world.”

James P. Pellow, Ed.D., the President and CEO of CIEE, echoed this sentiment, asserting the organization's commitment to carrying forward the Farther Foundation's mission. He noted that the Farther Foundation Scholarship Fund would continue to facilitate meaningful global learning opportunities that would otherwise remain inaccessible to many students. By supporting these initiatives, students will have the unique chance to study abroad during their formative teenage years, leading to a broader understanding of cultural differences and self-awareness.

Since its inception in 1947, CIEE has been dedicated to fostering international understanding through educational exchange, having facilitated over a million student exchanges in more than 140 countries. By combining its resources with the Farther Foundation, CIEE aims to enhance its existing framework of programs that equip young people with the intercultural skills necessary to thrive in a diverse global environment.

The partnership also aligns with a broader educational goal: ensuring that students from all backgrounds have equal access to life-changing experiences that broaden their perspectives. The Farther Foundation Scholarship Fund is designed to create opportunities that inspire students to envision a world of possibilities. The future of this initiative appears promising, with CIEE poised to leverage its extensive network and resources to maximize the impact of this scholarship fund.

In summary, this strategic alliance between CIEE and the Farther Foundation marks a significant step towards creating equitable educational opportunities for low-income students in Chicago. As aspiring global citizens navigate through their education, this partnership promises to transform their experiences, enabling them to explore diverse cultures and foster a sense of belonging within a global context. Through continuous advocacy for equal educational access, CIEE and the Farther Foundation aspire to inspire future generations of learners to reach for their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face.