ASSIST (organization)

ASSIST (organization)

ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers) is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status incorporated in the state of Vermont. ASSIST provides one-year scholarships to outstanding international students to attend American independent secondary schools on scholarships, and helps students and teachers from these schools to engage in educational experiences abroad. ASSIST is recognized by the United States Department of State as an authorized Exchange Visitor Program and is listed with the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel. This arrangement allows ASSIST to use the services of American facilities and staff overseas and has made possible the endorsement and support of international government officials. ASSIST is also able to facilitate the issuance of the J-1 visa under which students study in the United States for one academic year on Exchange Visitor status.

Each year, about 10-15% of applicants are admitted to the program and receive a scholarship. The scholarships are merit-based and given to students regardless of financial need and their parent's income. There are both full and partial scholarships. While students who attend day schools often receive a full scholarship, most students at boarding schools receive a partial scholarship.