Defending Fulbright: Our Path Forward Together

Dear Friends of Fulbright, You may have seen recent news that the White House’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget blueprint proposes deep cuts—nearly $700 million—to U.S. educational and cultural exchange programs, including Fulbright. Alongside this, the longstanding Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board (FFSB) has been disbanded. These decisions threaten the partnerships, research collaborations, and people-to-people diplomacy that […]
In Remembrance: Honoring Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim’s Legacy of Bridge-Building and Peace

On behalf of the Fulbright Association, we extend our deepest condolences on the tragic loss of the Israeli staff members who dedicated themselves to the mission of education, diplomacy, and global understanding. Their commitment to fostering meaningful connections across borders was a testament to the ideals we hold dear, and their absence leaves a profound […]
Night of Champions: A Fulbright Community United in Hope and Action
On May 8, 2025, the Fulbright Association hosted the inaugural #StandforFulbright: Night of Champions, a landmark event held in Washington, DC, and broadcast globally to supporters and alumni around the world. The evening served as both a celebration and a call to action—a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the Fulbright Program and the […]
Remembering Madeline “Maddie” Kleinschmidt

Dear Fulbright community, We are deeply saddened to share that a fellow Fulbrighter, Madeline “Maddie” Kleinschmidt, passed away suddenly on April 19.. She was a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at Space Quixote in Cuenca, Spain, from 2023-2024. Born and raised in Kenai, Alaska, Maddie graduated with honors with a B.B.A. in International Business from West […]
Together, We #StandForFulbright.

On behalf of the Fulbright Association, thank you. Because of your unwavering advocacy and belief in global exchange, Congress has restored some of the FY25 funding for international exchange programs—including our vital chapter grant from IIE. This is more than a budget win. It’s a resounding reaffirmation of Fulbright’s global value—and what we can achieve when […]
March Chapter of the Month – Kentucky

Kentucky Chapter Shines in the #StandforFulbright Campaign We are proud to recognize the Kentucky Chapter as this month’s featured chapter for its exceptional commitment to the #StandforFulbright campaign. With tireless advocacy and a passion for international education, the chapter is playing a crucial role in securing the future of the Fulbright Program. Bold Leadership and […]
A Peruvian’s Journey of Growth and Discovery – Johann Cardenas – Peru 2021

In 2021, I received the Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship from the Fulbright Peru Commission. This prestigious award brought me from my home country, Peru, to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. My arrival at Illinois was both exciting and daunting. However, the welcoming community of the Fulbright Student Association […]
Welcome back Shaz Akram!

We take a moment to welcome Shaz Akram back to FA in a temporary consultant capacity. She is currently the Founder and President of HerPivot, a storytelling platform for mid-career and executive level women. Prior to starting her own work, she was the Executive Director of the Women’s Foreign Policy Group (WFPG), the Deputy Director of the […]