2026 EDUCATION AWARDS
2026 Education Award Recipients
Each year, The FAWCO Foundation Education Awards support academic achievement, educational opportunity and lifelong learning across the FAWCO community.
The 2026 recipients represent a diverse range of academic interests, professional goals and international experiences supported through member-led philanthropy.
Academic Awards
To support the educational endeavors of the children of our FAWCO family
Arts Award - $5,000 sponsored by AWC The Hague in honor of Georgia Regnault's birthday
Amarli WinterChild of Linda Winter, AWBS International Women’s Club
Amarli is completing a Bachelor of Graphic Design, majoring in branding and minoring in typography. Her primary passion is branding and packaging design, a field she has chosen because of her love for crafting personable, effective visual identities that connect products to people. She is fascinated by how design influences perception and communicates values, and her aim is to create work that combines strategy, aesthetics, and inclusivity.
Alongside branding, she has a strong interest in typography, which she considers fundamental to all forms of communication design. Her studies have allowed her to explore typography in both print and digital contexts, and she will continue to develop her skills in creating type-driven designs.
Upon graduation, she has secured a one-year placement with the H&H Group under the Swisse department, where she will gain hands-on experience in branding, packaging, and strategic design implementation. This professional opportunity will allow her to consolidate her academic learning in a real-world setting, build a robust portfolio, and further develop the skills necessary for a career in branding and packaging design.
Her proposed study plan for this award focuses on refining her skills, completing her final year projects, and preparing for this exciting professional transition.
Alongside branding, she has a strong interest in typography, which she considers fundamental to all forms of communication design. Her studies have allowed her to explore typography in both print and digital contexts, and she will continue to develop her skills in creating type-driven designs.
Upon graduation, she has secured a one-year placement with the H&H Group under the Swisse department, where she will gain hands-on experience in branding, packaging, and strategic design implementation. This professional opportunity will allow her to consolidate her academic learning in a real-world setting, build a robust portfolio, and further develop the skills necessary for a career in branding and packaging design.
Her proposed study plan for this award focuses on refining her skills, completing her final year projects, and preparing for this exciting professional transition.
Humanities Award - $5,000 sponsored in part by AAWE Paris, in memory of Gertrude de Gallaix
Raphaëlle Be’harChild of Stacy Bennison Be’har, AWG Paris
Raphaëlle proposes to pursue a Master’s degree in English Literature, combining advanced coursework with the completion of an original research thesis. Her field of study is classical reception in contemporary literature, approached through feminist theory and narrative ethics. Drawn to literature through a longstanding passion for reading and writing, she became particularly interested in how women writers represent female subjectivity and agency. This focus developed through independent research on Elena Ferrante’s engagement with Virgilian epic, as well as coursework on Ovid, Canadian literature, and contemporary fiction, where she became attentive to how ancient literary forms continue to shape modern narratives of gender.
Although she initially planned to take a gap year after completing her undergraduate degree, sustained mentorship from her professors encouraged her to apply directly to graduate study, recognizing her aptitude for research and academic writing. At McGill, she hopes advanced seminars will allow her to develop a thesis examining how writers such as Anne Carson rework classical forms to foreground agency and authorial responsibility. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and contribute original scholarship to English literature.
Although she initially planned to take a gap year after completing her undergraduate degree, sustained mentorship from her professors encouraged her to apply directly to graduate study, recognizing her aptitude for research and academic writing. At McGill, she hopes advanced seminars will allow her to develop a thesis examining how writers such as Anne Carson rework classical forms to foreground agency and authorial responsibility. Her long-term goal is to pursue a PhD and contribute original scholarship to English literature.
Humanities Award - $5,000 sponsored by Whitney Edwards AWC London, in memory of Dr. John H. Hoagland & Carolyn Hoagland
Bogdan LaurChild of Julia Laur, IWC Moldova
Bogdan grew up facing personal challenges that shaped his determination in life and his character. Early experiences of hardship and instability taught him the importance of resilience, responsibility and perseverance. He discovered a strong interest in leadership, business and its organization. His educational choice - Business Administration - is much more than a professional goal for him, it’s a way to learn and develop skills needed to make meaningful contributions to society. He became inspired by how responsible businesses and enterprises create opportunities and strengthen communities.
His goal for the future is to become a socially responsible leader, to develop projects that provide employment, education and opportunities for young people, to create initiatives that promote inclusion, dignity and growth, empower others especially those facing hardship.
His goal for the future is to become a socially responsible leader, to develop projects that provide employment, education and opportunities for young people, to create initiatives that promote inclusion, dignity and growth, empower others especially those facing hardship.
Sciences Award - $5,000 sponsored in part by AIWC Genoa and the Bacigalupo Family, in memory of Dr. Frieda Bacigalupo Natali
Christopher WilhelmChild of Kathy Wilhelm, AIWC Cologne
As Bill Nye says, "Engineers are problem solvers, and by solving big problems, you change the world". Math, Physics and IT have always interested him. He enjoys finding practical solutions to problems and enjoys a challenging academic environment, so he decided to start studying Mechanical Engineering at a top global university. This past semester, he gained hands-on experience in the “innovation-project”, where his team and he built a robot for autonomous cultivation of permaculture making agriculture more sustainable. After many all-nighters it was clear to him, he enjoys being engaged in a challenging project. A highlight for him at university is joining a “focus-project”, where in one academic year teams of 10 students create a product that aims to solve a current engineering problem. Previous focus-projects have built full-size electric and hydrogen airplanes, solar-powered cars and robots for moon missions, coral reef cultivation and polar exploration. He is excited to dive into a focus-project starting September 2026.
Women in STEM - $5,000 in part by The FAWCO Foundation
Hannah SaavalainenChild of Dana Freling, AWC Finland
Raised in Finland with American roots, she has benefited from a multicultural upbringing and bi-lingual education. This background has fostered a deep interest in how humans function and differ individually. She is intrigued by the human brain; the intersection of biological and chemical processes with the psychological and cognitive, which ultimately defines what makes us human. She is an analytic person fascinated by human behavior; the why and how we think and behave. She was therefore drawn to the interdisciplinary field of Neuroscience.
During her undergraduate studies and thesis preparation in neuroscience, she developed a strong interest in psychopathology and psychopharmacology, focusing on how disruptions in neural systems contribute to neurological dysfunction and how these processes can be therapeutically targeted.
Having achieved the highest commendation at the bachelor’s level, a UK first class degree, she now wishes to pursue a Master’s degree focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of disease and the translation of neuroscientific research into effective therapies. Her intended course of study includes advanced training in neurobiology, neuropharmacology, and experimental design, complemented by hands-on research experience. This path will equip her with the scientific and analytical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of neurological therapeutics.
During her undergraduate studies and thesis preparation in neuroscience, she developed a strong interest in psychopathology and psychopharmacology, focusing on how disruptions in neural systems contribute to neurological dysfunction and how these processes can be therapeutically targeted.
Having achieved the highest commendation at the bachelor’s level, a UK first class degree, she now wishes to pursue a Master’s degree focused on the neurobiological mechanisms of disease and the translation of neuroscientific research into effective therapies. Her intended course of study includes advanced training in neurobiology, neuropharmacology, and experimental design, complemented by hands-on research experience. This path will equip her with the scientific and analytical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of neurological therapeutics.
Open Learning Award Jackie Isler Memorial Award - $5,000
No eligible applicants
Non-University Award
To support the educational endeavors of the children of our FAWCO family
Non-University and Technical Training Award - $5,000
No eligible applicants
Dual Cultural Award
To support the educational endeavors of the children of our FAWCO family
Dual Cultural Award - $5,000
sponsored in part by AWC Bern and Donna Erismann in memory of Susanne Erismann
Eloise SchnelleChild of Diana Perry Schnelle, AWC Hamburg
Eloise is going to be a sophomore at Melrose High School, in Melrose, MA. She has chosen this school and this city because a classmate of my mother’s from Wellesley College lives there, with kids around my age, and will host me. She plans on taking the required classes for 10th grade, as well as some elective classes that aren’t offered in my school in Germany, specifically Publishing, in the English department, Sports in Society, in the Social Studies department, and Forensics, in the science department. She also plans to take AP American History, which will be my first time taking a history class focused on the United States. Another reason for choosing this school is that it has almost 90 different clubs and a lot of different sports. She is planning on trying as many clubs and sports as possible, like Formula 1 Club and the Sewing Club, and sports that don’t exist in her hometown, like cheerleading. The high school also has mandatory community service, which she thinks is a really good idea. She is excited to experience a different school system where everything, like sports and clubs, happens through the school and isn’t separated like it is in Germany.
FAWCO Member Awards
To recognize the diverse lives of our members, their achievements, and their never-ending quest for knowledge and self-improvement.
Continuing Education Award - $5,000
sponsored by Mary Stewart Burgher of AWC Denmark, in memory of Pauline "Pete" Arnold Schweppe
Boluwatife OgunjumeloAIWC Cologne
Boluwatife aspires to become a family medicine physician serving rural communities, where she can combine clinical care, preventive strategies, and patient education to improve lives. To achieve this goal—and increase her chances of practicing medicine anywhere in the world—her plan is to complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which will qualify her for a medical residency in the USA.
She has chosen medicine to provide comprehensive care for families across all ages and improve access to healthcare in underserved communities. With FAWCO’s support, she will be able to serve communities effectively and one day build a global NGO providing healthcare, education, and resources. Every patient without access to care reminds her of why she chose medicine, and this award would help her turn personal resilience into tangible impact.
The FAWCO Foundation Skills Enhancement Award - $2,500
Rebekka KlingshirnHeidelberg IWC
Rebekka’s major study will be contemporary educational pedagogy, specifically integrating artificial intelligence tools with project-based learning and critical thinking frameworks. She chose this field because education must evolve alongside technological advancement - students need to be able to use AI responsibly and think critically, not just consume information passively.
Her proposed course of study includes Dr. Braasch's courses on AI integration in classroom preparation and instruction (beginning in November 2026), critical thinking pedagogy through Harvard Project Zero and project-based learning training through PBLWorks workshops (exact HPZ & PBLW dates are announced later). These programs will provide practical frameworks for redesigning curriculum around student agency & active learning. She teaches English to both high school students preparing for university and vocational students training as electricians and other skilled trades. Both groups need identical skills: working collaboratively on complex projects, using technology thoughtfully, and thinking critically about their work's purpose and quality. Her goal is transforming her teaching practice so students develop not just content knowledge but the capacity & desire for lifelong learning - the foundation any career requires in our rapidly changing world.
Her proposed course of study includes Dr. Braasch's courses on AI integration in classroom preparation and instruction (beginning in November 2026), critical thinking pedagogy through Harvard Project Zero and project-based learning training through PBLWorks workshops (exact HPZ & PBLW dates are announced later). These programs will provide practical frameworks for redesigning curriculum around student agency & active learning. She teaches English to both high school students preparing for university and vocational students training as electricians and other skilled trades. Both groups need identical skills: working collaboratively on complex projects, using technology thoughtfully, and thinking critically about their work's purpose and quality. Her goal is transforming her teaching practice so students develop not just content knowledge but the capacity & desire for lifelong learning - the foundation any career requires in our rapidly changing world.
FAUSA Skills Enhancement Award - $5,000
Marie HemeyerAWC Hamburg
Marie is currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in clinical psychology, which has provided a strong scientific foundation in biological and behavioural development. In addition, she coaches children's basketball. In this role, she co-leads a team responsible for developing a project that promotes literacy, language, and movement among kindergarten children. Driven by the motivation to create equal starting opportunities for children before they start school, we are currently piloting this project in our community, aiming to develop a scalable blueprint for a nationwide implementation.
Her practical experience teaching basketball has been a vital asset in designing the movement-based learning approach, while her background in psychology allows her to assess the project from a scientific perspective. However, integrating multiple fields of expertise and co-leading a multidisciplinary team has revealed gaps in her current knowledge. Further education in sport science is essential to develop a comprehensive and effective programme.
By enrolling in the proposed athletic training course, she intends to deepen her understanding of movement development. Expanding her expertise in sport science will enable her to lead her team more effectively, work closely with experts, and develop a sustainable, child-centred programme that fosters lifelong learning, education, and health.
Her practical experience teaching basketball has been a vital asset in designing the movement-based learning approach, while her background in psychology allows her to assess the project from a scientific perspective. However, integrating multiple fields of expertise and co-leading a multidisciplinary team has revealed gaps in her current knowledge. Further education in sport science is essential to develop a comprehensive and effective programme.
By enrolling in the proposed athletic training course, she intends to deepen her understanding of movement development. Expanding her expertise in sport science will enable her to lead her team more effectively, work closely with experts, and develop a sustainable, child-centred programme that fosters lifelong learning, education, and health.
Fine Arts - $5,000
sponsored by AIWC Frankfurt, Taunus, Rhein-Main, in memory of Barbara Merlino
Liisa RobertsAWC Finland
Liisa’s plan is to complete two new artworks for her 2027 museum retrospective exhibition. To do this she will need to purchase a restored analogue Hasselblad 500C camera kit and cover the tuition, travel, and accommodation necessary to attend a 14-day experimental pattern-making course in London. These steps directly support the completion of two major artworks central to the exhibition.
With the Hasselblad, she will be able to finalise a long-term photographic series begun in 2009. Since 2009 she has photographed her son’s friends at key turning points in their lives—ages 6, 13, 16, and 19. In 2026 she will photograph them again, now in their first professional roles. This completes a multigenerational portrait of these young people as they enter working life. The project documents both personal development and a broader social context.
The course in London will allow her to deepen the experimental pattern-making skills needed for her new sculptural project in the form of a collection of unique, hand-made garments. Working collaboratively with immigrants who arrived in Finland as refugees, or whose parents did, she will explore personal and cultural memories in made-to-measure garments that she creates from discarded materials. This work examines clothing as a carrier of identity, a means of communication, and a sculptural language linking the personal to the collective.
With the Hasselblad, she will be able to finalise a long-term photographic series begun in 2009. Since 2009 she has photographed her son’s friends at key turning points in their lives—ages 6, 13, 16, and 19. In 2026 she will photograph them again, now in their first professional roles. This completes a multigenerational portrait of these young people as they enter working life. The project documents both personal development and a broader social context.
The course in London will allow her to deepen the experimental pattern-making skills needed for her new sculptural project in the form of a collection of unique, hand-made garments. Working collaboratively with immigrants who arrived in Finland as refugees, or whose parents did, she will explore personal and cultural memories in made-to-measure garments that she creates from discarded materials. This work examines clothing as a carrier of identity, a means of communication, and a sculptural language linking the personal to the collective.
Shirley Kearney AWC Basel University Study Degree Award - $5,000
Amber OpheimAWC Bern
Amber’s life has been dedicated to music as a performing artist; she has been a professional opera singer for twenty years. This program enables and empowers her to shift seamlessly from performing into a leadership position within an arts organization. It is critical to train leaders with experience on both sides of the curtain in order to preserve the health and future of both the arts and of working artists. Her goal is to serve not only audiences and her community but also the artists within the organization she heads, leading with perspective, empathy, and a first-hand understanding of the field and their unyielding commitment to the craft. The two-year program requires internships both on the artistic and business sides of production. The degree is specifically designed to give future arts administrators extensive perspective on political and financial structures, laws, and various facets of a diverse range of arts organizations including theaters, non-profit projects, museums, dance companies, and jazz and classical orchestras in the German speaking world, where she lives and have built and intend to maintain her career. She is enthusiastic to utilize her experience and expertise to help the next generation of singers and opera lovers alike.
The de Groot Foundation Literacy is our Legacy Aspiring Writers Award - $5,000
Kendra ValentineAWC Berlin
"Frozen Assets" explores Kendra’s fertility journey as a 40-year-old Black American woman in Europe, intertwining personal narrative with reproductive science. Beginning with egg freezing at 37, the book examines the intersection of aging, identity, time, and the fundamental question: "Do I want children?" Through conversations with fertility innovator Dr. Lynae Brayboy and reflections on choice, the book addresses intimate personal struggle alongside broader implications of fertility preservation.
This award will enable a focused writing retreat to complete her manuscript's first draft. She will spend two weeks writing in the German countryside at St. Oberholz, followed by one week conducting research interviews at Dr. Brayboy's Portugal clinic, gathering scientific insights and personal reflections. Professional developmental editing feedback will help refine the narrative structure, balancing memoir with science writing, ensuring the manuscript is submission-ready for agents and publishers.
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