Support the next generation of leaders in their global impact projects

Support the next generation of leaders in their global impact projects image

The World Affairs Council, a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, is the bridge that connects the world to one of America’s most vibrant regions. Through global education, international exchange, and cultural awareness initiatives, the council strengthens Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s international identity and engages individuals with foreign affairs.

In 2024, we were thrilled to be able to launch and pilot this initiative, the Rich Lauf Global Studies Scholarship, to honor a man who impacted a lot of lives here in our region as a personal friend, mentor, and leader in the community. Rich who recently passed in 2022 dedicated 59 years of his life to the pursuit of knowledge and devoted his time and passion to world affairs. Rich truly believed that international understanding and readiness will make a huge difference for the next generation. He said,

“As adults, we lose sight of what we wanted as young people. My first exposure as a 14-year-old, had a 50-year effect on me. We need to create a similar impact for today’s students, like the change in me those many years ago.”

His wife, Susan, saw the impact that he had as a Board Member with the World Affairs Council and wanted his legacy to continue on through giving back to the students and creating those lasting changes in high school students, thought leaders for years to come through this scholarship.

The purpose of the Rich Lauf Global Studies grant is to encourage local students and student organizations to develop and carry out a project that benefits their community related to the UN Global Goals. Five grants were awarded for $1000 each last December and the 5 schools chosen implemented those projects and are here with us today!

Congratulate to those 5 schools who participated in this first initiative.

  • Holmes High School
  • Aiken New Tech High School
  • St. Xavier High School
  • Winton Woods High School
  • St. Ursula Academy

Through their global impact projects collectively they reached almost 600 local students, 96 teachers, and donated 187 volunteer hours. These young leaders are creating a change in themselves and their communities for years to come.

Please donate now to support the second cohort of Global Studies Grant recipients this year.