Application

We take a great deal of time to ensure the best candidates are students exhibiting such characteristics as:

• Successful study of a foreign language or an interest in other cultures
• Maturity and flexibility
• Academic strength
• A sense of adventure and curiosity
• Would be good ambassadors for the U.S., Fort Wayne, and their schools
• Have been accepted by an approved international exchange program
• Have an interest in studying to enter a career in international business
• Need financial assistance

Eligibility information: Applicant’s high school must be located in one of the following Indiana counties: Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, Whitley.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of board members. Individual students who will receive awards and their schools will be notified in early May. Awards (award letters/checks) will be mailed directly to the students or will be presented at each school’s spring recognition program.

The Dave Hefner board believes that international experiences for young people have positive value. As nations of the world become more interdependent, it becomes increasingly important that high school students develop a sense of the responsibilities of global citizenship and the skills necessary to succeed in an interdependent world.

Educational travel and exchange play an important role in this learning process. The Dave Hefner International Exchange Fund provides financial assistance to qualified students who can benefit from these invaluable experiences.

Students planning to visit or study in other countries for summer, semester or school year international programs should follow these steps in applying for the Dave Hefner International Exchange Fund Awards.

1. Make formal application(s) to one or more international exchange programs. This would include United States Information Agency (USIA) or school-approved programs.
   
   
2. Complete the application under the direction of a staff member or committee from your high school. Each
   individual school will then review the application(s) and make final recommendations to the DHIEF
   Board. Notify Sara Quigley of your application and the international program you have chosen, the
   departure date and financial arrangements. This is particularly important for students who have applied to
   the IU Honors Program in Foreign Language for high school students.
   
   
3. Submit completed online application for review

• Completed Application including Essay submitted online
• 2 Letters of Recommendation
• Completed School Recommendation Form (click to download)
• Completed Parent Form (click to download)
• Photocopy of prior year tax form page 1 with Annual Gross Income line complete. PLEASE BLACKOUT SSN.

Each international program has a schedule that the candidate is expected to follow. However, Steps 1, 2, and 3
should be accomplished as early as possible in the months of September, October and November, depending upon
the departure date.

By granting the award the David Hefner International Exchange Fund does request that each recipient complete an
Award Evaluation Form and as able agree to share their ideas regarding the international exchange experience with future
applicants.