The Fund for American Studies
Encyclopedia
The Fund for American Studies is an educational non-profit organization
based in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1967, the organization’s stated goal is to “prepare young people for honorable leadership by educating them in the theory, practice and benefits of a free society.”
took the first steps toward establishing the institution that is known today as The Fund for American Studies. Edison was a former governor of New Jersey, secretary of the Navy and son of inventor Thomas Alva Edison.
Concerned about an eroding confidence in the American system of government, Edison recruited Dr. Walter H. Judd, David R. Jones, Marvin Liebman
and William F. Buckley, Jr.
to build a program that would educate college students about American government, politics and economics.
On February 6, 1967, the group incorporated the Charles Edison Youth Fund. In 1969, Governor Edison died suddenly. To honor him and carry on his mission, the organization was renamed the Charles Edison Memorial Youth Fund. In 1985, the organization was renamed again to its present day title, The Fund for American Studies.
In the summer of 1970, the Edison Fund organized the inaugural Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems. Fifty-seven students attended the first Institute.
TFAS has since grown to include 11 domestic and international Institutes with more than 11,000 alumni from across the United State and abroad. In 2007, TFAS celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Nine Institutes are held each summer in Washington, D.C., the Czech Republic
, Greece
and Hong Kong
.
A tenth Institute is held during the fall and spring semesters in Washington, D.C.
and an eleventh Institute is held in Athens, Greece during the fall.
In addition to its summer and semester Institutes, TFAS sponsors other educational programs and conferences for professors and students throughout the year.
The Institute was named in 1994 in honor of entrepreneur John Engalitcheff.
The competitive program accepts a limited number of undergraduate journalism students to attend the Institute each summer. Program participants attend classes in economics and ethics and intern with major news organizations. The students also attend events at the National Press Club (USA) and regular briefings at principal news sites such as Congress, the U.S. State Department and the Federal Reserve Board.
The Institute was established in 1990 and was named in honor of Bryce Harlow until 2006 when it was renamed the Institute on Business and Government Affairs.
In 2007, CS added a political journalism component for students interested in print or broadcast journalism, politics or public relations.
AIPES was established in 1993 to educate young leaders from central and Eastern Europe about free-market economics and constitutional democracy. Participants of the program attend classes, engage in a parliamentary simulation and listen to guest speakers.
IIPES is an academic program that explores the political, economic and cultural issues prevalent to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Students of the program attend courses in political economy, history, philosophy and conflict management.
The three-week program is held in partnership with the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation.
Asia Institute for Political Economy (AIPE), Hong Kong
Established in 2002, AIPE promotes discussions of political economy among young leaders from across Asia. Participants attend courses on American studies and debate issues of economics, global trade and economic developments with guest lecturers. The Institute is administered each summer in partnership with the University of Hong Kong.
Launched in 2004, EJI brings working journalists and journalism students together in Prague, Czech Republic for a one-week seminar. The program was developed to educate journalist about objective reporting on a variety of business and economic issues. Seminar participants network with working professionals and regional experts.
Established in 2006, EMJI brings working journalists and journalism students from around the world to Greece for a 10-day seminar. EMJI was developed to educate journalists about objective and ethical reporting on issues of international, political and economic concern. Conference participants network with regional professionals and attend lectures by economic and public policy experts, government officials and corporate leaders. TFAS works in partnership with the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation to organize this event.
Freedom Award is presented annually by the Center for International Relations and TFAS to recognize individuals who have advanced the cause of freedom in the United States and abroad.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
based in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
Founded in 1967, the organization’s stated goal is to “prepare young people for honorable leadership by educating them in the theory, practice and benefits of a free society.”
History
In 1967, Charles EdisonCharles Edison
Charles Edison was son of Thomas Edison to Mina, businessman, Assistant and then United States Secretary of the Navy, and served as the 42nd Governor of New Jersey.-Biography:...
took the first steps toward establishing the institution that is known today as The Fund for American Studies. Edison was a former governor of New Jersey, secretary of the Navy and son of inventor Thomas Alva Edison.
Concerned about an eroding confidence in the American system of government, Edison recruited Dr. Walter H. Judd, David R. Jones, Marvin Liebman
Marvin Liebman
Marvin Liebman , conservative activist and fundraiser, and gay rights advocate....
and William F. Buckley, Jr.
William F. Buckley, Jr.
William Frank Buckley, Jr. was an American conservative author and commentator. He founded the political magazine National Review in 1955, hosted 1,429 episodes of the television show Firing Line from 1966 until 1999, and was a nationally syndicated newspaper columnist. His writing was noted for...
to build a program that would educate college students about American government, politics and economics.
On February 6, 1967, the group incorporated the Charles Edison Youth Fund. In 1969, Governor Edison died suddenly. To honor him and carry on his mission, the organization was renamed the Charles Edison Memorial Youth Fund. In 1985, the organization was renamed again to its present day title, The Fund for American Studies.
In the summer of 1970, the Edison Fund organized the inaugural Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems. Fifty-seven students attended the first Institute.
TFAS has since grown to include 11 domestic and international Institutes with more than 11,000 alumni from across the United State and abroad. In 2007, TFAS celebrated its 40th anniversary.
TFAS Timeline
| 1967 | The Charles Edison Youth Fund is founded in Washington, D.C. |
| 1969 | The organization renames itself the Charles Edison Memorial Youth Fund following the sudden death of Governor Edison. |
| 1970 | The Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES) in Washington, D.C. is established |
| 1985 | The Charles Edison Memorial Youth Fund is renamed "The Fund for American Studies" |
| 1985 | The Institute on Political Journalism (IPJ) in Washington, D.C. is established |
| 1990 | The Bryce Harlow Institute on Business and Government Affairs (IBGA) in Washington, D.C. is established |
| 1992 | ICPES renamed the "Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems" to honor John Engalitcheff. |
| 1993 | The American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (AIPES) is established at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic |
| 1996 | The International Institute for Political and Economic Studies (IIPES) in Greece is established |
| 1999 | The Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service (IPVS) is established in Indianapolis, Ind. |
| 2002 | The Asia Institute for Political Economy (AIPE) is established at the University of Hong Kong |
| 2003 | The Capital Semester Program in Washington, D.C. is established |
| 2004 | The European Journalism Institute in Prague, Czech Republic is established. |
| 2004 | The Institute for Philanthropy and Voluntary Service (IPVS) moves to Washington, D.C. |
| 2006 | The Euro Mediterranean Journalism Institute (EMJI) in Greece is established |
| 2007 | Legal Studies Institute (LSI) in Washington, D.C. is established |
Programs
The Fund for American Studies sponsors 11 collegiate academic programs.Nine Institutes are held each summer in Washington, D.C., the Czech Republic
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
, Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
and Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
.
A tenth Institute is held during the fall and spring semesters in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
and an eleventh Institute is held in Athens, Greece during the fall.
In addition to its summer and semester Institutes, TFAS sponsors other educational programs and conferences for professors and students throughout the year.
Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES)
Since it was established in 1970, over 4,000 students have attended ICPES. This Institute is intended primarily for students interested in careers in government, international affairs, public policy and academia. Students attend courses on the American political tradition and market economics and hold internships with places of political and economic interest such as Capitol Hill, federal agencies, think tanks, political groups or international affairs organizations.The Institute was named in 1994 in honor of entrepreneur John Engalitcheff.
Institute on Political Journalism (IPJ)
IPJ was established in 1985 to educate future journalists about ethical reporting and covering issues involving economic concepts.The competitive program accepts a limited number of undergraduate journalism students to attend the Institute each summer. Program participants attend classes in economics and ethics and intern with major news organizations. The students also attend events at the National Press Club (USA) and regular briefings at principal news sites such as Congress, the U.S. State Department and the Federal Reserve Board.
Institute on Business and Government Affairs (IBGA)
IBGA is a pro-business lobbying internship and academic program that teaches college students about the link between free-enterprise and government. Accepted students earn course credit through Georgetown University, intern with corporate governmental affairs office and trade associations and attend panel discussions with leaders in the profession.The Institute was established in 1990 and was named in honor of Bryce Harlow until 2006 when it was renamed the Institute on Business and Government Affairs.
Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service (IPVS)
IPVS was established in 1999 as an academic and internship program for college students involved in volunteer activities and interested in a professional career in the nonprofit sector. The program curriculum includes service projects, an internship matched to the student’s interest and course credit through Georgetown University.Capital Semester (CS)
Capital Semester is a 15-week academic and internship program offered each fall and spring in Washington, D.C. Participants of the program are enrolled as full-time students, placed with an internship in their area of interest and housed in furnished apartments on Capitol Hill. Students also attend briefings at the White House, State Department and Capitol Hill as well as guest lectures from government officials and policy makers.In 2007, CS added a political journalism component for students interested in print or broadcast journalism, politics or public relations.
Legal Studies Institute (LSI)
LSI was established in the summer of 2007. The ten-week program combines legal clerkships, academic coursework for credit, networking opportunities and career development activities. Participants of the program interact with leaders of the legal profession and visit points of judicial and executive interest in Washington, D.C.American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (AIPES), Prague, Czech Republic
AIPES was established in 1993 to educate young leaders from central and Eastern Europe about free-market economics and constitutional democracy. Participants of the program attend classes, engage in a parliamentary simulation and listen to guest speakers.
International Institute for Political and Economic Studies (IIPES), Chania, Greece
IIPES is an academic program that explores the political, economic and cultural issues prevalent to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Students of the program attend courses in political economy, history, philosophy and conflict management.
The three-week program is held in partnership with the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation.
Asia Institute for Political Economy (AIPE), Hong KongHong KongHong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
Established in 2002, AIPE promotes discussions of political economy among young leaders from across Asia. Participants attend courses on American studies and debate issues of economics, global trade and economic developments with guest lecturers. The Institute is administered each summer in partnership with the University of Hong Kong.
European Journalism Institute (EJI), Prague, Czech Republic
Launched in 2004, EJI brings working journalists and journalism students together in Prague, Czech Republic for a one-week seminar. The program was developed to educate journalist about objective reporting on a variety of business and economic issues. Seminar participants network with working professionals and regional experts.
Euro-Med Journalism Institute (EMJI), Athens, Greece
Established in 2006, EMJI brings working journalists and journalism students from around the world to Greece for a 10-day seminar. EMJI was developed to educate journalists about objective and ethical reporting on issues of international, political and economic concern. Conference participants network with regional professionals and attend lectures by economic and public policy experts, government officials and corporate leaders. TFAS works in partnership with the Greek Association for Atlantic and European Cooperation to organize this event.
TFAStrack
The official news magazine of The Fund for American Studies. Published three times a year, the TFAStrack includes news on TFAS programs and its alumni as well as information about upcoming events.@TFAS
This monthly electronic newsletter is designed specifically for alumni of TFAS programs. Each issue covers upcoming regional alumni events, TFAS news and updates from alumni.Teaching Freedom
This series of remarks on freedom is published by TFAS. The speakers featured in each issue of Teaching Freedom delivered their remarks at a TFAS Institute, conference or event.Awards
The Fund for American Studies sponsors several awards programs throughout the year to honor those who help advance the values of freedom, democracy and a free-market economy around the world.Alumni Awards
The alumni awards recognize the distinguished accomplishments of TFAS alumni and commend their dedication and service to TFAS. They include the Alumni Achievement Award, the Kevin Burket Alumni Service Award, the Young Alumni Award and the Chapter of the Year Award.The Congressional Scholarship Award (CSAD)
The Congressional Scholarship Award is given annually to a U.S. senator at a dinner that raises money for students to attend the Institute on Business and Government Affairs.The David R. Jones Awards
TFAS awards the David R. Jones Leadership in Philanthropy Award annually to recognize individuals who promote American traditions of philanthropy, free enterprise and individual responsibility. In addition, the Lifetime Service Award is given annually to honor recipients who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the ideas of freedom and service.Journalism Awards
Each year, the Institute on Political Journalism presents two awards to professional journalists, the Clark Mollenhoff Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting and the Award for Excellence in Economic Reporting. The Thomas L. Phillips Collegiate Journalism Award recognizes excellence in work published in collegiate publications.The Walter Judd Freedom Award
The Walter JuddWalter Judd
Walter Henry Judd was an American politician best known for his battle in Congress to define the conservative position on China as all-out support for the Nationalists under Chiang Kai-sheck and opposition to the Communists under Mao...
Freedom Award is presented annually by the Center for International Relations and TFAS to recognize individuals who have advanced the cause of freedom in the United States and abroad.