FACC Foundation Updates: Serge Bellanger Scholarship Program

Dear FACC Members & Friends of the French-American Chamber of Commerce New York Foundation, 

At this inflection point in international education, when many students from around the world have returned home to finish their semesters and consider their next moves as regards their programs, it is critical we remain collectively committed to helping young people learn other cultures, languages and professional practices.

As the great American screenwriter and director Robert Alan Arthur wrote:

“Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity. Intercultural dialogue is the best guarantee of a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.”  

Facilitating educational exchange for talented, motivated French and American students and young professionals has been the French-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s mission since its inception in 2012.  As the Foundation enters its 2020 Serge Bellanger Scholarship Program candidate evaluation / jury process, I wanted to reiterate our commitment to supporting the next generation of transatlantic business leaders in the post-COVID 19 world.

The record-setting 84 scholarship applications received this year were submitted by students looking to attend the most prestigious graduate business school programs in France and the United States.  Their candidacies will be carefully considered by a dedicated, experienced and capable jury, as the FACC Foundation awards another 10 scholarships in 2020, despite the difficult economic context.  We will make these scholarships available to our winners’ schools (to cover tuition) as soon as the students’ programs allow them to begin.

The 70+ alumni of the Serge Bellanger Scholarship Program are now working on renewable energy projects, electric and shared vehicle programs, sustainability, food safety, advanced technologies, oncology, farm data management, foreign service and other fields that will impact the way we live far into the future.  At the same time, they have come to know France and the United States as they never had before experiencing the other country first hand.  Our hope is that, as transatlantic business leaders, they will contribute not only to the furthering of French-American relations, but to a world where mutual understanding and respect drive business endeavors that benefit all of humanity.

As regards the 2020 FACC Foundation Gala, currently scheduled for October 8 and honoring Jean Rosanvallon, Senior Advisor to the Chairman & CEO of Dassault Aviation, we are in “wait and see mode”, and will reach back out to you as updates become available.

In the meantime, many thanks again to the students, alumni, donors, university personnel, volunteers and staff, who share our goals and values.  We look forward to traversing this difficult period with you and to strengthening French-American relations in the weeks, months and years to come.

Sincerely,

Elsa Berry

President

French-American Chamber of Commerce Foundation