Ten U.S. High Schools Win Grants to Foster Global Education

Each selected institution receives up to $1,000 to implement programs that bring diverse cultures into the classroom. The grant, named for the late AIFS Foundation Executive Director Tony Cook, prioritizes projects that encourage students to explore life beyond their own communities. Michele Kabel, director at Academic Year in America, noted that these hands-on initiatives create unique opportunities for students to build curiosity and mutual understanding.

Winning projects vary significantly in scope and geography. Baldwyn High School in Mississippi is launching a student-led cultural showcase, while Bradford Area High School in Pennsylvania is utilizing the funds to establish a travel club and an educational trip to Costa Rica. Other initiatives include a global ceramics exhibition in North Dakota at Maple Valley Public School and the acquisition of Spanish-language resources at Hannah-Pamplico High School in South Carolina. According to Melanie French, Executive Director at the AIFS Foundation, these efforts extend the impact of international exchange to reach entire communities, fostering a deeper connection to the wider world.