The Alliance Française de Philadelphie offers three scholarships to support students, teachers, young professionals, and aspiring educators in developing their French language skills, deepening their understanding of French-speaking cultures, and pursuing academic or professional opportunities connected to French.
The Pierre C. Fraley Scholarship, Marie-Louise Vermeiren Jackson Scholarship, and Lois Beck Scholarship each support different educational and professional goals. Applicants are evaluated based on criteria that may include their French proficiency, academic or professional background, career plans, merit, and financial need.
The program gives preference to applicants who reside in the Philadelphia tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware), as well as students from outside the area who are enrolled at a university within the tri-state region. Depending on the scholarship, eligible programs may take place in the United States, in a Francophone country, or through approved programs such as TAPIF.
There is no need to apply for a specific scholarship. All applicants are considered for the three scholarships
through a single application. The
Scholarship Committee will carefully review each application and determine which scholarship best matches the applicant’s qualifications,
goals, and circumstances. The Committee will make the final decision on the scholarship(s) awarded.
The purpose of the Pierre C. Fraley Scholarship is to give students the opportunity to increase their language proficiency in French and to enrich their understanding of French culture and contemporary society.
To be eligible for the Pierre C. Fraley Scholarship the applicant must:
The Alliance Française de Philadelphie wishes to thank the family and friends of former president, the late Pierre C. Fraley, for their generosity in establishing a scholarship program that will, in Mr. Fraley’s name, encourage, enable and promote the study of the French language and culture among deserving young people.
The Marie-Louise Vermeiren Jackson Scholarship enables recipients to obtain proficiency in speaking the French language, unobtainable in normal classroom work, by attending an accredited summer program of study for that purpose or by applying to the TAPIF program.
To be eligible for the Marie-Louise Vermeiren Jackson Scholarship, the applicant must:
The scholarship is named in honor of Marie-Louise Vermeiren Jackson, a Belgian woman who dedicated her career to academia and philanthropy. In the 1950s, she came to the United States as a Fullbright scholar and taught French in Cheltenham High School. Later, she became an adjunct French professor and trustee at Arcadia University, where she was an advocate for study abroad programs. The Alliance Française de Philadelphie wishes to thank the family of Marie-Louise Vermeiren Jackson, for their generosity in establishing a scholarship program that will, in Mrs. Vermeiren Jackson's name, encourage, enable and promote the study of the French language and culture among deserving young people.
This scholarship is designed to support aspiring educators who demonstrate exceptional proficiency in the French language, along with a genuine passion and deep appreciation of France and the diverse cultures of the Francophone world. The award will provide funding for professional development opportunities, including workshops, training programs, and educational experiences in French-speaking countries, helping recipients strengthen their linguistic, cultural, and teaching skills.
To be eligible for the Lois Beck Scholarship, the applicant must:
Having studied at La Sorbonne in Paris and having made many subsequent journeys to France, Lois Beck has maintained a lifelong connection to the country and its rich cultural heritage. She has devoted her distinguished career to the teaching and promotion of French language and culture in Philadelphia and beyond. She taught at Julia R. Masterman School, Philadelphia High School for Girls, as well as Drexel University, inspiring generations of students through her expertise and enthusiasm. Throughout the years, she has shared her passion for French language and culture with learners of all ages and backgrounds. Today, she continues that legacy through her teaching at the Alliance Française de Philadelphie, where she remains a valued member of the community.
Three Scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each will be offered in 2027 (deadline to apply: February 15, 2027).
Candidates will be contacted by March 15th.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Scholarship recipients are expected to share the results of their experience with the Alliance Française de Philadelphie. Following completion of their program or project, recipients must provide proof of completion and an evaluation by a supervisor or other appropriate superior within 30 days, as well as a minimum 500-word report describing their experience in France.