USAID’s Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (USAID/ASHA) provides assistance to schools, libraries, and medical centers outside the United States that serve as study and demonstration centers for American ideas and practices. USAID/ASHA awards help cultivate positive relationships between citizens of the United States and other nations.

The Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad began in 1947 and was incorporated into USAID by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. Since its inception, USAID/ASHA has achieved a visible legacy by providing assistance to approximately 300 institutions globally and aiding in the development of innovative and state-of-the-art schools, libraries, and medical centers in more than 80 countries. USAID/ASHA’s record of contributing to and building connections with vibrant networks of civil society institutions extends through 26 U.S. Congresses and 18 presidential administrations. USAID/ASHA currently manages a worldwide portfolio of approximately 110 awards and is an invaluable complement to USAID’s wide-ranging development work.

USAID/ASHA directly contributes to U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy objectives by fostering strong civil society institutions and excellence in higher education and innovation. The networks of educational and medical institutions supported by USAID/ASHA offer opportunities to access quality education and health services in areas of the world where often few or none exist. USAID/ASHA partners have educated successive generations of global citizens and leaders, deepening their understanding of American ideas and practices.

For more information, see Partnership Opportunities.

For general inquiries please contact ASHAinfo@usaid.gov