AFS-USA Faces of America

The AFS-USA Faces of America (FOA) scholarship program provides high-achieving students from low-income families a life-changing opportunity to study abroad.  By partnering with community organizations and schools in underrepresented communities, FOA has awarded scholarships to more than 2400 outstanding teenagers. 

 Students must be nominated by their school or by a community mentoring organization.  They must meet financial guidelines, usually eligibility for free or reduced lunch. The Faces of America scholarship covers up to 50% of program tuition, when the rest is matched by a local community organization.  For more information about Faces of America scholarships in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe, NM area, please contact the Globe Runner Scholarship program coordinators at: GloberunnerNM@gmail.com.

The AFS intercultural exchange experience has a life-changing impact on students and supports the goals of leadership and college preparatory programs. Studies show that students who experience a study abroad program are more likely to possess the global leadership skills necessary in today’s workforce. When students return from an AFS exchange, moreover, they are excited by what they’ve discovered—about the world and themselves—and inspired to keep exploring new and diverse opportunities. Nearly all Faces of America participants go on to college, and many participate in undergraduate exchange programs. 

Following their international experience, 100% of Faces of America participants across the country said they planned to attend college, 79% said they benefited academically, 73% considered college opportunities further from home.