Over the past 20 years, the VCU Humphrey Fellowship Program has been a source of tremendous pride and meaningful connections, hosting 190 international Fellows from 80 unique countries. It is therefore with sadness that we announce that we have been informed by the Institute of International Education (IIE) that VCU will not be able to host Humphrey Fellows in the 2026-2027 year. This decision was made in concert with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) at the US Department of State, who oversees the Humphrey Fellowship and other cultural exchange programs. This decision does NOT affect funding for the current cohort whose program year ends on June 12, 2026.

The Humphrey Fellowship Program overall has received a budget reduction for 2026-2027.  As a result, the number of fellows coming to the program and the number of host campuses are being reduced. Fields of study are being consolidated and Substance Abuse Education, Treatment and Prevention (the rubric under which VCU is funded) is being integrated within the broader field of Public Health. Because VCU is in year 5 of our 5-year contract from IIE, and because funding going forward is uncertain, no request for proposals is being issued for the 2026-2027 year. There may be an opportunity to apply for funding in the 2027-2028 year and beyond, likely under a Public Health rubric. However, that remains to be determined, and will depend on Congressional and ECA support.

We want to express our appreciation to you, supporters and volunteers for the program, for the time, energy, love and care you have given to the fellows. Stay tuned for invitations to support and celebrate our current cohort during this spring semester.

We plan to end our 20-year run with a bang, and not with a whimper.

Best,

Wendy Kliewer, VCU Coordinator, on behalf of the VCU Humphrey Fellowship Team