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About ASSIST Scholars
ASSIST is a non-profit international scholarship organization driven by passion, vision, and deep, cross-cultural connections.
We match exceptional students, ages 14 through 18, from around the globe with leading private high schools across the U.S. – all on scholarship. Our Scholars change the conversation in their classrooms and beyond, making their mark through exceptional academics and extracurriculars.
Since our program began in 1969, over 6,000 ASSIST alumni have gone on to attend the most prestigious universities in the United States and worldwide, even more excel in careers in all sectors, and all enhance our growing network of compassionate, collaborative global citizens.
The Big Picture
We believe that we are contributing to the creation of a more peaceful, productive, and hopeful world by helping to develop the next generation of global leaders who understand the value of collaboration, compassion, and cooperation in solving the world’s most urgent problems.
Our Mission
ASSIST creates life-changing opportunities for outstanding international Scholars to learn from and contribute to the finest American independent secondary schools.
Our History
The story of ASSIST is characterized not just by our exceptional scholars and schools, but also by our visionary leaders.
1969
Beginning with a class of 13 students from Germany, Paul G. ”Sandy” Sanderson, Jr. launched the pioneering educational and cultural exchange program that would transform the American private school community.
1986
Upon Sandy’s passing, his legacy was passed into the capable hands of Michelle Stolkien, who served as ASSIST's Acting Executive Director while the Board worked to find a passionate and willing president to fill Sandy's shoes.
1987
Ken and Betsy Lindfors, friends of Sandy's and active members of the independent school community, became the new permanent heads of ASSIST. Over the next 13 years, they were instrumental in growing ASSIST into the organization it is today.
2000
After Ken and Betsy retired, Robert and Anne Stanley became the third leadership team in ASSIST's long history. Martin Milne joined them as Vice President for School and Family Relations in 2009. Under their leadership, ASSIST has continued to expand and welcome students from new countries into the ASSIST community.
2020
After Bob Stanley’s passing in April 2020, Martin Milne served as the Acting President until his formal appointment by the Board of Directors as the fourth President of ASSIST in November 2020.
Today
Today, over 6,000 students from 52 countries have become ASSIST Scholars, and they comprise our vibrant and engaged global network of active alumni.
The Details
ASSIST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with tax-exempt status incorporated in the state of Connecticut, USA. We are designated by the U.S. State Department as an authorized Exchange Visitor Program. ASSIST is able to facilitate the issuance of the J-1 visa, under which some of our Scholars study in the U.S. for one academic year on Exchange Visitor status.
ASSIST does not discriminate, nor does it condone harassment, on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or on any other basis proscribed by applicable policies or laws.