SHF Francophone Studies Stipend

• The applicant must be a U.S. High School student and an inducted member (on National Inductee list) of the SHF by the application deadline of Wednesday, January 20th, 2027.
• The teacher of the student applicant must have current 2027 AATF membership by  Wednesday, January 20, 2027 (23h59 MST).
• Each SHF charter may submit up to two applications.
• Award funds must be used to support an immersive French-language and/or francophone culture study experience (in person or online). Some examples may include but are not exclusive of:

• Andégo Internships Abroad (www.andego.org)
• Study abroad in a francophone country
• French language camps
• School-sponsored travel or exchange programs

College French classes and family trips are not eligible for this stipend. 

Only complete applications will be reviewed. Submission via the AATF website/store must have completed checkout. Confirmation email will be sent to submitting AATF member.

Please be prepared with the following information to complete the online submission form.

• Teacher name (first & last) and email, student name (first & last), school name and physical mailing address.
• Student information – grade, level of French course currently enrolled in, SHF participation, other extra-curricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteer efforts, part-time employment), Grand Concours participation, and history of travel to a French speaking country.
• Copy of study program prospectus
• Letter of recommendation from current French teacher.
• Letter of recommendation from teacher or faculty member of a non-French discipline employed  at the school the applicant currently attends.
• Scanned copy of high school transcript through first semester of 2026-2027 school year.
• Signed SHF Francophone Studies Stipend Acknowledgement form
• Student essay of 150-250 words in French.

Student essay of 150-250 words in French

• Essay Topic (in French): The aim of the Société Honoraire de Français is “to stimulate interest in the study of the French language and francophone cultures, to promote high standards of scholarship, to reward scholastic achievements, and to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all learners.  We aim to create enthusiasm for and a deep understanding of the diverse francophone world, encourage cultural exchange, and promote national and international friendship and collaboration”
  • State in French how you believe that your award will support these goals and your reasons for applying. Please relate these goals directly to your proposed use of the stipend. 
  • This statement (in English) at the end of the essay: I, (student name) did not use generative AI or other electronic tools to generate phrases or sentences in my essay. I understand if my French is perfect or exceptional for a high school student, my application may not be considered.
• Expectations for AI / Translator use: Please write this essay in your own French. You may use a translator to look up individual words, and your teacher may correct your grammar, but you should not use generative technology to create any phrases or sentences. AATF wants this stipend to help high school students improve French proficiency through travel; therefore, submissions that demonstrate exceptional or perfect French suggest the student may not benefit fully from this award.

Please find the 2026-27 Francophone Studies Award Rubric here

Do not include any personal information within the text of the essay

• Students may receive only one Francophone Studies Stipend (previous awardees may not apply again).
• The applicant (student) must be registered in, or able to register in, a program approved by the  SHF sponsor or an accredited francophone studies course. Inquiries regarding appropriate programs may be directed to shf@frenchteachers.org
• In accordance with AATF policy, funds will be disbursed via two (2) payments 
  • A portion of the stipend funds awarded will be paid directly to the student upon submission of proof of enrollment in and payment to the intended program submitted. 
  • The remainder of the stipend funds awarded will be paid directly to the student upon submission of a brief description of the travel/study experience and its significance, all or portions of which may appear in the SHF publication, L’Élan. Description of the travel/study experience and its significance must be submitted within one year of notification of award.

Stipend recipient’s responsibility

• In recognition of the generosity of this stipend, each recipient will be expected to submit a brief description of the travel/study experience and its significance by Google Form within one month of completion of the study program, all or portions of which may appear in the SHF publication, L’Élan, and/or on social media.
• Proof of completion of travel must be submitted to the AATF office within 12 months of the submission deadline (by 1/20/28).

Winning students’ first name and state will be published on the SHF website. Teachers are also  encouraged to announce the winners at their annual induction or award ceremonies