#USA #Stamford #Global Education #AIFS Foundation #High Schools

AIFS Foundation Recognizes Ten High Schools for Global Education Initiatives

The AIFS Foundation, in collaboration with Academic Year in America (AYA), has recently unveiled the ten recipients of the prestigious Tony Cook Memorial Grant for the academic year 2025–2026. This initiative celebrates U.S. high schools that are successfully implementing innovative projects aimed at fostering international education and cultural awareness in their communities.

Each selected school will benefit from a grant of up to $1,000, earmarked for supporting unique projects or events designed to introduce students to diverse cultures and perspectives. This year's initiatives span across nine states, showcasing the commitment of these institutions to cultural exchange and global understanding.

The recipients of the grant represent a range of engaging projects that emphasize experiential learning, such as student-led cultural exhibitions, international culinary fairs, and immersive educational travel. Michele Kabel, Director of Academic Year in America, emphasized the vital role high schools play in nurturing students' curiosity about the world and encouraging open-mindedness towards different cultures. She stated, "These projects provide meaningful experiences for students to learn from one another and from worldwide cultures."

The ten award-winning high schools and their respective projects include:
1. Baldwyn High School, Mississippi: Hosting a student-led cultural event showcasing booths from various countries, featuring cuisine, music, games, crafts, and storytelling.
2. Bradford Area High School, Pennsylvania: Launching a new travel club and organizing an educational trip to Costa Rica.
3. Central High School, Florida: Conducting a schoolwide Global Voices Showcase and an interactive Culture Day.
4. Clarksville High School, Tennessee: Organizing a Taste of the World Food Fair during International Education Week.
5. Cumberland High School, Wisconsin: Implementing an International Week along with a culturally focused service trip to the Twin Cities.
6. Hannah-Pamplico High School, South Carolina: Introducing Spanish-language books and resources for cultural education in Spanish classes.
7. Ithaca High School, New York: Establishing a Morocco Cultural Exchange Club focusing on school partnerships, language learning, and homestays.
8. Maple Valley Public School, North Dakota: Creating a global ceramics art project culminating in a community exhibition.
9. Montwood High School, Texas: Hosting an International Tea featuring cultural displays and presentations led by students.
10. Spooner High School, Wisconsin: Planning an educational tour through Italy, Germany, and the Czech Republic.

The Tony Cook Memorial Grant is named in honor of its founder, Tony Cook, a former Executive Director of the AIFS Foundation. His lifelong commitment to promoting international understanding laid the foundation for this annual program. The grant aims to recognize and support U.S. high schools that embrace cultural exchange through initiatives that benefit local and international student populations.

Melanie French, Executive Director at the AIFS Foundation, remarked, "While international exchange begins with direct participant involvement, its impact can extend much further into the community. These schools are not only enriching the experiences of students but also bridging cultural gaps for their entire communities."

The AIFS Foundation and Academic Year in America express immense gratitude to the educators, administrators, students, host families, and community partners who bring these transformative projects to fruition. Each year, hundreds of U.S. high schools play a pivotal role in welcoming AYA exchange students, further enriching educational environments across the nation.

For those interested in facilitating international education initiatives within their schools or becoming involved with Academic Year in America, further information is available on the AYA website.

About Academic Year in America

Academic Year in America (AYA) is a non-profit organization, part of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation, dedicated to facilitating high school exchange programs in the U.S. For over 45 years, AYA has connected international students and U.S. host families, fostering cultural sharing and lifelong friendships.

About the AIFS Foundation

Founded in 1967, the AIFS Foundation is an independent non-profit entity committed to promoting international understanding through educational exchanges and cultural research. It supports programs that help individuals gain knowledge of various cultures and apply this understanding to foster mutual respect and collaboration.