CONFERENCE GRANTS & AWARDS

Ron Koehn Conference Grant Award

The Ron Koehn Conference Grant Award for Innovative Education Abroad Programs is named in honor of Ron Koehn. A long time education abroad innovator, Ron played a significant role in advancing the education abroad field, especially through his contributions to innovations in program design. His career in education abroad spanning more than 45 years of service, he contributed extensively to the work of the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), Teikyo University, the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and the Foundation for International Education (FIE). Ron’s energy and creativity were critical to the growth and success of these organizations, and helped to offer education abroad opportunities for thousands of students.

Notably, Ron was a pioneer in the development of study abroad for community college students through his developing ways to combine affordability with quality, and effective curricula with high standards. A beloved mentor to many, Ron helped to train a generation of education abroad professionals. The Forum’s Ron Koehn Conference Grant Award for Innovative Education Abroad Programs will honor Ron’s outstanding contributions to the education abroad field for many years to come.

Eligibility
The Ron Koehn Conference Grant Award is given annually to a faculty member or education abroad colleague who has been especially effective in contributing to innovations in education abroad program design. Only individuals from Forum Member institutions are eligible to apply for the Award, and especially welcomed are those from community colleges, international institutions/organizations, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), minority-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).

Requirements
The winner of the Award receives a stipend that helps to underwrite the cost of attendance at the Forum Annual Conference. The recipient is expected to attend the entire conference and prepare a report on how the conference benefited him or her. The report and a detailed expense sheet with scanned receipts must be submitted within 30 days of the conference. Upon receipt of this report, grant money will be bestowed.

Deadline
The application deadline ended Monday, November 20, 2023.

Conference TRAVEL GRANTS

A limited amount of funding is available each year to help defray the costs for selected individuals to participate in The Forum’s Annual Conference. The Forum’s travel grants are awarded to education abroad professionals who may otherwise be unable to attend the conference without financial assistance. Selection is based on demonstrated need and anticipated benefit from attending the conference. Grant awards may range from $200 to $800.

Eligibility
All colleagues who have a financial need are encouraged to apply, especially those that have never attended a Forum conference. Preference will be given to individuals who are employed by Forum member institutions.
In accordance with The Forum’s strategic goals, strong selection preference will also be given to colleagues from the following institution types:

• Community colleges
• International institutions/organizations
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
• Minority-serving institutions
• Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs)

It is strongly preferred that grant applicants receive some financial support from their organization/institution to attend the Forum conference.

Requirements
Grant recipients are expected to attend the entire conference and submit a post-conference report on how the conference benefited them. The report must include a detailed expense sheet and scanned receipts, and be submitted within 30 days of the conference. The Forum will reimburse any receipts up to the amount that was awarded to the attendee. Upon receipt of this report, grant money will be bestowed.

Deadline
The application deadline for travel grants for the 19th Annual Conference ended Monday, November 20, 2023. Grant recipients will be notified by December.

Peter A. Wollitzer Advocacy Award

​The Forum’s Peter A. Wollitzer Advocacy Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of administrators, faculty, and staff at any career stage who have challenged and inspired others to understand and support the benefits of education abroad. The award was established to honor an individual who has been remarkably effective in promoting the positive impact of education abroad on participants, institutions, and members of the home and host communities, and in advancing The Forum’s mission, vision, and foundational principles. Read more»

Award for Excellence in Education Abroad Curriculum Design

The Forum’s Award for Excellence in Curriculum Design honors faculty who develop and implement innovative and effective education abroad curricula. It is the education abroad field’s only award presented to an individual or group of individuals for excellence in the design of an education abroad course. Read more>>

Award for Academic Achievement Abroad

​The Forum’s Award for Academic Achievement Abroad recognizes excellence in academic work completed by students as part of an education abroad program.  The students’ projects are judged by faculty from Forum member institutions, award recipients present their work at a plenary session at the Annual Forum Conference each year. Read more»

Award for Advancing the UN SDGs through Education Abroad

​The Forum’s Award for Advancing the UN SDGs through Education Abroad honors member institutions and organizations whose education abroad programs promote economic, environmental, and social sustainability. By recognizing members who have made significant progress towards the SDGs, The Forum hopes to inspire the field as a whole to contribute to a more sustainable future for all. Read more»

Health & Safety Pre-conference workshop grant from Sara's Wish

Number of Awards: 5

• Request form open corresponds with Conference registration opening.
• Request form closes at the end of the early-bird registration period.
• Priority given to Forum member institutions with limited professional development resources.
• Selections made by a committee of Forum staff chaired by the Director of Programs and Training.

Pre-conference workshop grant on Health & Safety. Prior to each conference, The Forum offers workshops based on the Standards of Good Practice focused on Health, Safety and Well-Being. Support for 5 individuals to register for pre-conference workshops at $300 each for a total gift of $1500.

Deadline to apply: February 16, 2024
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Apply here!

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