To promote mutual understanding, cultural interchange and a more peaceful world, ASSIST provides opportunities for outstanding international students to attend the finest American independent secondary schools on one-year scholarships, and for students and teachers from these schools to engage in educational experiences abroad.

ASSIST was founded in 1969 by Paul Sanderson, a visionary American educator who was a faculty member and leader at Suffield Academy (CT). Beginning with an initial class of 13 German students, ASSIST has now expanded its mission worldwide and has placed more than 3,600 scholars from 36 countries at American independent secondary schools.

During the 2008/09 academic year, ASSIST celebrates its 40th anniversary. Celebrations have already been hosted in many countries, and the final celebration was held in Cologne, Germany, on May 1, 2009. Please click the button below for information on the Reunion Gala in Cologne.