WACC Council Scholar Award Program

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is pleased to announce the Margaret Gragg Bissell 2026-2027 Council Scholar Award Program. This signature WACC international education initiative offers selected educators a unique opportunity to travel abroad and bring their experiences home to their school community in North Carolina.

The 2027-2027 Council Scholar Award Program is generously supported by The Margaret Gragg Bissell Teacher-Centered International Education Endowment.

Education Partners

 

We are looking for internationally minded educators and administrators who are currently working to provide a global perspective in their classrooms, want to immerse themselves in an international topic or region, and are enthusiastic about sharing their experience with students and colleagues. The applicant must be a K-12 grade teacher or staff member with significant student contact in a Mecklenburg, Iredell, Cabarrus, Lincoln, Gaston, or Union County school (public or independent schools).

The Council Scholar Program gives the recipient visibility and recognition and provides rewarding educational experiences. The 2026-2027 Council Scholars will receive the following:
  1. Recognition at our World Citizen Award Dinner
  2. Invitations to special WACC programs and dinner receptions
  3. Lifetime WACC membership
  4. The opportunity to coordinate seminars and roundtable discussions with past scholars
  5. A grant of up to $3500 for:
    • Formal study abroad program
    • International conference attendance
    • International seminars or workshops abroad
    • Professional development programs in another country
    • Teaching abroad (e.g., teaching English abroad, training teachers in the developing world, etc.)
    • Language immersion classes or workshops in another country
    • Other travel abroad opportunities

The program is designed to honor exemplary educators and enhance the scholars’ international educational experiences further to impact their classrooms, schools, and communities.

Application Deadline: Friday, January 15, 2027

Email Address: cklopp@charlotte.edu

Have questions about how to apply? Click here for “Frequently Asked Questions” about the Council Scholar Award Program.

Please DO NOT attempt to fax or mail your application. 

Have questions? Please email cklopp@charlotte.edu  or call 704-687-7759