{"id":59367,"date":"2026-09-25T11:10:05","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T15:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.assistscholars.org\/en\/?page_id=59367"},"modified":"2026-10-07T13:30:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T17:30:01","slug":"impact-report-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.assistscholars.org\/en\/impact-report-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Impact Report 2025-2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\n\t\t\tASSIST Scholars 2025-2026\t<\/h1>\n

\n\t\t\tImpact Report\t<\/h2>\n

\n\t\t\tPresident’s Message\t<\/h1>\n

\n\t\t\tOpening Doors for Remarkable Scholars\t<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"J.\n\t<\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Martin\n\t<\/figure>\n\t

As I begin my 17th year at ASSIST, I am reminded that one thing has remained constant: the strength of our partnerships makes extraordinary opportunities possible. By coming together around a shared belief in the potential of young people, we open doors for remarkable Scholars to broaden their horizons, pursue their aspirations, and discover how they can make a difference in the world.<\/p>\n\t

That belief comes to life in the stories throughout this Impact Report. Our partnership with the Kazickas Family Foundation<\/a> in Lithuania is one example of many around the world that help us identify remarkable young Scholars and give them the opportunity to realize their potential. As one Lithuanian Scholar beautifully described her ASSIST experience: “Dream to the moon, and even if you achieve a fraction of it, it will be a lot.… Now, I am living this dream. And my hands are just an inch from touching the moon.”<\/p>\n\t

Opening the door is only the beginning. Our member schools across the United States provide the communities where Scholars are challenged, supported, and inspired to grow in ways they may never have imagined. Our 40-year partnership with Wyoming Seminary<\/a> is a powerful example of the enduring relationships that make the ASSIST experience possible.<\/p>\n\t

And the impact continues long after the ASSIST year ends. Across Lithuania and our other partner countries, alumni like Olivia Jacobsson return home prepared to contribute as diplomats, educators, entrepreneurs, business leaders, artists, and leaders in public service and civil society.<\/p>\n\t

None of this happens without you. Our donors are essential partners in this work, providing the resources that turn potential into opportunity and opportunity into lasting impact.<\/p>\n\t

Thank you for believing in our Scholars, for sharing in our mission, and for being our partner in creating a more connected and peaceful world.<\/p>\n\t

Sincerely,<\/p>\n\t

-J. Martin Milne, President<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMessage from the Board Chair\t<\/h1>\n

\n\t\t\tASSIST Year Spans a Scholar’s Lifetime\t<\/h2>\n\t

Dear ASSIST Partners, Families, and Friends,<\/p>\n

I was fortunate to have been introduced to ASSIST Scholars in 2015, when my family hosted a remarkable Scholar from Barcelona, Spain. This talented, bright, engaging young woman enriched our lives in countless ways, and we still consider her a beloved sister and daughter.<\/p>\n\t

Through her, I saw firsthand how a single year of study abroad can expand a young person’s perspective, build their confidence, and shape how they lead, connect, and engage with the world for years to come. ASSIST scholars are uniquely prepared to stretch their boundaries, try new activities, and embrace individuals whose stories differ from their own.<\/p>\n\t

Most remarkable is that an ASSIST Year spans a Scholar’s lifetime! Beginning on the day they are accepted into the program, ASSIST Scholars become part of a global family of more than 6,500 alumni from 66 countries. Alumni of all ages mentor new Scholars, interview candidates, support Orientation, and open doors for one another as they become leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, engineers, and ambassadors. Wherever they go in the world, ASSIST alumni know they are never far from one another. We believe this powerful, lifelong network of leaders can influence and inspire a more peaceful, collaborative world.<\/p>\n\t

In this year’s Impact Report, you’ll hear directly from Scholars whose lives have been forever transformed by your trust, partnership, and generosity. On behalf of the passionate and dedicated Board of Directors, thank you for believing in our mission and our scholars. Together, we will continue to find and invest in these talented, future leaders for generations to come.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With appreciation,<\/p>\n\t

-Pam Haering Freer, ASSIST Board Chair<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\"photo\n\t<\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Group\n\t<\/figure>\n

\n\t\t\tYear in Review and Events\t<\/h1>\n

\n\t\t\tA Global Class,
A Growing Community\t<\/h2>\n\t

The Class of 2027 brings together 174 Scholars from a record 31 countries and 37 citizenships, the broadest representation in ASSIST’s 57-year history, topping last year’s program best. This year also marks an important milestone: Scholars from Uzbekistan, the United Arab Emirates, Kazakhstan, and Greece are joining the ASSIST community for the first time. <\/p>\n\t

Across 85 U.S. member schools, these students will bring new perspectives, experiences, and cultures into classrooms and communities – supported by $10 million in scholarship awards contributed by ASSIST member schools. Behind each Scholar stands a global network of 19 overseas program coordinators and 17 interviewers who helped identify, interview and support Scholars throughout the selection process. <\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tOrientation in England\t<\/h2>\n

\n\t\t\tBuilding Connection, Confidence, and Community\t<\/h3>\n\t

In August, the ASSIST class of 2027 came together for the first time at Marlborough College<\/a> in England. Scholars from around the world spent four days learning, preparing, and building connections before departing for their new U.S. school communities. By the week’s end, 31 countries no longer represented a statistic. They represented friends, roommates and teammates whose paths will stay connected long after Orientation ends.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tA Scholar Reflects:\t<\/h3>\n\t

“Without a doubt, one of the most extraordinary and meaningful weeks of my life… I made incredible friendships that I know I will carry with me for years to come, gained so much confidence and excitement for the year ahead, broadened my horizons, learned so much, and created memories I will cherish forever.”<\/em><\/p>\n

-Boyrana P, Bulgaria<\/p>\n\t\n Read the Orientation Recap\n<\/a>\n

\n\t\t\tScholar Spotlights:\t<\/h2>\n\t

The Class of ’27 marks an exciting new chapter in ASSIST’s global reach.<\/h3>\n\t

Aish is the first Scholar in ASSIST history from Uzbekistan, while Ethiopian-born Natnael is the program’s first Scholar to join ASSIST from his current home country, the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n\t

Together, their stories mark important firsts for ASSIST and highlight the talent, ambition, and perspective Scholars in the Class of ’27 bring to the community.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Assist\n\t<\/figure>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Oyshabonu\n\t<\/figure>\n\t\t