ASSIST (student exchange organization)

ASSIST
Motto Today's Scholars. Tomorrow's Leaders.
Founded 1969 (1969)
Founder Paul G. Sanderson, Jr.
Type non-profit student exchange organization
Location
  • Suffield, Connecticut
Area served
United States
Services student exchange
Employees
20 (worldwide)
Volunteers
100 (worldwide)
Mission "ASSIST creates life-changing opportunities for outstanding international scholars to attend and contribute to the finest American independent secondary schools to promote mutual understanding, cultural interchange, and global citizenship."
Website assist-inc.org

ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers) is a nonprofit, international student exchange organization based in the United States and active in more than twenty countries around the globe. ASSIST places academically and extracurricularly excelling international students on one-year merit-based scholarships at leading American independent secondary schools.

Structure

ASSIST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status incorporated in the state of Vermont. ASSIST is designated by the United States State Department as an authorized Exchange Visitor Program and is listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. This arrangement allows ASSIST to use the services of American facilities and staff overseas and has made possible the endorsement and support of international government officials. ASSIST is able to facilitate the issuance of the J-1 visa, under which some of its students study in the United States for one academic year on Exchange Visitor status.

History

ASSIST was founded in 1969 by Paul G. Sanderson, Jr., then Suffield Academy’s Director of Admissions, who wanted to enrich American independent secondary schools through an international educational community. Sanderson began with a class of 13 students and started ASSIST as an educational and cultural exchange program to bring talented young men and women to study in the United States on one-year scholarships.

From its original base in Germany, ASSIST has expanded to numerous other countries and has brought students from nations underrepresented in member schools’ student bodies.

After the death of Sanderson, Kenneth and Betsy Lindfors were appointed to lead ASSIST. During their 13-year tenure, ASSIST expanded substantially.[1] Following their retirement, the ASSIST Board of Directors named Robert and Anne Stanley as the third leadership team in ASSIST’s history. Today, Robert Stanley continues as President, joined by Martin Milne as Vice President for School and Family Relations, and Meg Milne Moulton as Vice President for Marketing & Communications.

To date, more than 4,300 students from 51 countries have become ASSIST Scholars.

Scholar selection

ASSIST class of 2013/2014

ASSIST's recruitment and interview teams travel around the world interviewing potential program candidates. In 2013, from a pool of 1,650 applications, 725 finalists were invited to an interview, and 161 were accepted as ASSIST Scholars (a 10% acceptance rate).

Over 90% of ASSIST students earn honors or high honors academic standing each year. Students are also selected to make contributions to the artistic, athletic, community service and other extracurricular programs and to share their own cultural backgrounds. In the class of 2013/2014, ASSIST scholars come from 20 countries, including Somaliland, and have fluency in three languages on average. Their talents range from award-winning athletes to championship debaters to nationally-recognized musicians.

Member schools and countries

Philips Exeter Academy, New Hampshire
Deerfield Academy, Massachusetts
St. Paul's School, New Hampshire

All ASSIST member schools are independent high schools and are members of the National Association of Independent Schools. Every school agrees to accept at least one international student on a full scholarship and may also accept additional students on partial scholarships. The scholarship includes tuition and room and board. Scholarships are offered for one year only, after which the scholar must return home to complete his or her secondary education.

ASSIST reviews member schools twice annually. Each school is visited by ASSIST staff and volunteers to ensure that the programs available meet the needs of the students who apply to the ASSIST program.

Member schools 2013/14

ASSIST countries

Since its inception, ASSIST has drawn students from the following nations. In a typical year, the organization operates in more than 20 countries. At present, ASSIST is working with partner organizations or schools in countries noted in bold.

External links

References

  1. Richard P. Hall: ASSIST, 1969-2009. Today's Scholars, Tomorrow's Leaders. ASSIST, Suffield 2009.
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