The American College of Greece is proud to announce a $2 million grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), marking a new chapter in their longstanding partnership. This generous funding will accelerate the development of a U.S.-modeled university Hub of STEM and Innovation at ACG, designed to drive Greece’s economic recovery by expanding educational and career opportunities.
The announcement coincided with a campus visit in October from three USAID representatives, who underscored the agency’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational and economic initiatives in Greece that align with the US public diplomacy priorities.
The new grant will be pivotal in advancing ACG’s efforts to create a university-based hub of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, tailored to meet the needs of Greece’s evolving economy.
“Modeled on universities in the U.S. that act as hubs driving STEM and innovation-based regional economic development by fostering collaboration across sectors and aligning research and curricula, ACG aims to continue to grow its capacity as an economic driver in Greece,” said ACG President David G. Horner. “In particular, the initiative will support hands-on learning experiences through research projects, innovative curricula, and internship and job placement programs designed to meet the demands of both Greek and international industries.”
One of the central goals of the Hub is to expand access to education and career pathways for historically underserved groups, including women and refugee students. By doing so, ACG and USAID aim to empower these communities to participate fully in Greece’s economic revitalization while also addressing global challenges in STEM fields.
The new USAID support will establish a central gathering place on campus for ACG’s Education Unites program, which is instrumental in empowering refugees with educational opportunities at Deree. As Kathleen Macdonell, Coordinator of Education Unites, ACG’s unique scholarship program for refugees, told the USAID visitors, “Education Unites offers hope and renewed dreams. Thanks to the USAID grants, Deree’s refugee program empowers 44 students from the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine, helping them regain a vision for the future. As part of UNHCR’s mission for increased access to higher education to guarantee that 15% of refugee youth will have access to the transformative power of higher education by 2030, Deree is committed to fostering leadership, mentoring, and self-empowerment. Our goal is to cultivate these students as leaders, decision-makers, and changemakers.”
Founded nearly 150 years ago by American women to educate girls, ACG has evolved into the oldest and largest American-accredited nonsectarian, nonprofit educational institution in Europe. Today, ACG remains grounded in its founders’ commitment to service and equitable, inclusive education, enrolling nearly 8,000 students in its comprehensive pre-K through graduate-level system, providing financial assistance to the majority of students and investing in refugee student scholarships. Undergraduate and graduate studies are housed at the 64-acre main campus on Mt. Hymettus overlooking Athens. A campus in nearby Spata serves pre-K and elementary, and Alba Graduate School of Business is located in downtown Athens. This uniquely American-style holistic education attracts students from more than 70 countries as well as 200 U.S. universities and every Greek public university through exceptional study abroad and “Parallel Study” programs.
As one Greek Parallel Studies student reflected: “The state-of-the-art labs funded by USAID have enabled me to conduct high-quality research, publish my findings, and present at conferences. These facilities provide students with invaluable opportunities to collaborate with peers and faculty, forging pathways to both academic and professional success.”
USAID’s partnership with ACG extends more than 60 years, with nearly $14.5 million in total support provided to date. Previous investments have included a broad range of strategic projects that have helped to modernize the ACG campus and expand its academic offerings. Recent highlights include USAID’s support for the creation of new STEM and Physics labs where students can engage in cutting-edge scientific learning and research. The agency also played a vital role in modernizing ACG’s main campus library, which now features a digital museum and a state-of-the-art events hall, further cementing the college’s role as a cultural and intellectual hub in the region.
USAID’s backing also supported the development of the region’s first Simulated Trading Room, providing students the opportunity to gain practical experience in financial markets. This facility has become an important asset for students pursuing careers in finance and economics, offering a real-world learning environment that bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice.
During their visit, the USAID representatives expressed their enthusiasm for ACG’s ambitious vision for the STEM and Innovation Hub, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and international partners to drive economic growth and innovation.
After hearing from students whose education has been directly impacted by USAID funding, Charles Jackson, Division Chief USAID, Supervisory Contracting Officer, said, “Each of these stories is truly inspiring, a testament to the power of education and opportunity. You are the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. The possibilities are out there—so go for it, embrace every chance, and make your mark.”
ACG President David G. Horner echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the transformative potential of the new grant. “The support from USAID, made possible with the generous support of the American people, has been instrumental in our ability to provide world-class educational opportunities to our students, and this latest grant will enable us to take our STEM and innovation initiatives to the next level. We are deeply grateful for USAID’s continued partnership as we work together to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators in Greece.”
The $2 million grant represents a significant step forward in The American College of Greece’s ongoing efforts to serve as a catalyst for educational innovation and economic growth in the region. By expanding access to high-quality STEM education and fostering a culture of innovation while at the same time emphasizing opportunities for women and refugee students, ACG and USAID are helping to shape a brighter future for Greece and beyond.