The Faces of America (FoA) program provides access to global education and study abroad opportunities to high school students from underserved communities, helping them to become engaged and empowered global citizens.
Overview of Faces of America
About Faces of America
The FoA program awards study abroad scholarships for summer programs to outstanding teenagers from underserved communities. Since 2010, FoA has awarded more than 1200 scholarships and introduced youth to a world of possibilities. Over 90% of FoA participants go on to college, and many participate in undergraduate exchange programs.
Partnerships are at the heart of FoA’s success. By collaborating with community-based organizations, foundations, corporations, and schools, we open doors for underrepresented communities to access our life-changing opportunities. Research shows that students who study abroad develop the global leadership and communication skills that are essential for today’s workforce. AFS exchange students return inspired by their experiences and ready to embrace new challenges—many go on to excel in higher education and beyond.
Faces of America Beginnings
In 1995, AFS-USA, with funding from the DeWitt Wallace Fund, launched a scholarship initiative targeting youth in underserved areas. The goal was to reduce the cost barriers to participating in a life-changing high school study abroad program. In 2007, the scholarship initiative was renamed Faces of America (FoA). Today, FoA works with community-based organizations (CBOs) across the country to identify highly motivated young scholars for educational opportunities abroad.
How to partner with Faces of America
Since 2010 AFS-USA has partnered with over 52 Community Based Organizations (CBOs). Each year FoA actively collaborates with about 20 CBOs. Our partners provide educational programming and social services to students and their families.
In partnering with AFS-USA, CBOs assist in identifying high school students they serve for an FoA scholarship. Both CBOs and AFS-USA work closely with selected students to help them complete their applications and gain acceptance into the AFS study abroad program. AFS is responsible for administering the program once the students have been accepted.
The CBOs and AFS-USA both financially contribute towards the FoA scholarship. Due to these efforts, and the support of private funders, AFS-USA has expanded access to study abroad opportunities.
To learn more about FoA and how to become a partner, please contact the Faces of America team at [email protected].
Donate to Faces of America
Your financial support gives low-income high school students the opportunities they need to transform their lives, achieve their own potential, and create change as role models and leaders in their communities.