Strengthening Roots in Our Schools Nationwide: The AFS School Outreach Advisory Group

Strengthening Roots in Our Schools Nationwide: The AFS School Outreach Advisory Group

Written by: Jennifer Grace, Silver & Gold Area Team, National Council Communications Committee Member

The AFS School Outreach Advisory Group—led by Sarah Radermacher, Director of School Partnerships, and volunteer leader Jenny Treadway—helps shape how AFS connects with schools across the United States. With a mission centered on strengthening school relationships, enhancing recognition for educators, and expanding outreach and resources, this dedicated team works toward a stronger, more unified approach to school engagement.

Watch a short video about this advisory group here.

Goals for the Year: Advancing School Partnerships

The School Outreach Advisory Group is focused on elevating the presence and impact of AFS in schools across the nation. 2025’s goals included:

  • Expanding the School Outreach Volunteer Network to increase visibility and awareness of AFS programs at the local level.
  • Establishing a consistent school recognition system to celebrate educators and institutions that champion global learning.
  • Revising educator and school award applications to ensure they are accessible, user-friendly, and easy for both volunteers and faculty to complete.
  • Creating promotional presentations and handouts to highlight upcoming recognition opportunities for schools and educators.

Achievements from 2025: Strengthening Connections

The group made impressive strides in 2025, setting the stage for broader national engagement.

  • Launch of new school awards to recognize faculty and schools that host AFS students or support AFS/International Clubs.
  • Enhanced communication with school-based clubs, creating stronger ties and increasing the visibility of AFS on campus.
  • Organized monthly Zoom trainings for both new and experienced School Representatives, improving consistency and confidence across the volunteer network.

“Volunteers told us they needed more tools and resources,” reports Sarah Radermacher. “We listened—and built systems that make school outreach easier, faster, and more effective.”

The AFS Resource Library: A Game-Changer

One of the standout achievements from volunteer feedback was the creation of the AFS Resource Library for Schools—a centralized hub designed to simplify outreach for both educators and volunteers.

This easy-to-access collection includes brochures, program overviews, training tools, and recognition materials, ensuring no one has to dig through multiple places to find what they need. Volunteers report that the Resource Library has made school visits more productive and conversations with educators more impactful.

“Having everything in one place has transformed our outreach,” Jenny Treadway stated. “I feel prepared, confident, and supported every time I walk into a school.”

The Challenges: Navigating a Changing School Landscape

Schools today face numerous pressures—making strong partnerships more important than ever.

Many districts have reduced funding and strict guidelines to follow to ensure funding, making it harder to maintain active AFS or International Clubs. In some areas, schools are scrutinized for supporting programs they don’t fully understand. The Advisory Group is addressing these challenges by equipping volunteers with:

  • Ready-made presentations, brochures, and talking points for school visits
  • Best practices from experienced volunteers on building relationships with staff
  • Recognition tools to help volunteers reconnect with school partners
  • Ongoing communication channels for troubleshooting and collaboration
  • Monthly peer-led meetings during the school year to discuss questions, share successes, and brainstorm solutions

This network of support ensures volunteers don’t have to face outreach challenges alone.

Join the AFS School Outreach Advisory Group: Opportunities for Volunteers

The School Outreach Advisory Group plays a vital role in shaping AFS’s national impact. Our schools are integral to the AFS Program. New members are always welcome.

Ideal volunteers are those who:

  • Can commit to a three-year term and bring fresh ideas and feedback
  • Attend monthly Zoom meetings and participate consistently
  • Have experience as a School Representative, Outreach Coordinator, educator, or simply a passion for global learning

It’s important to note that volunteers don’t have to be a part of the Advisory Group to make an important impact. Volunteers can also help inspire educator involvement by visiting schools regularly, meeting with counselors and teachers, sharing AFS stories, and distributing materials throughout the year—not just once, but consistently.

If you’re inspired to help more schools embrace global learning, support hosted students, and encourage U.S. teens to study abroad, The School Outreach Advisory Group is here to support you!

Together, we can strengthen school partnerships, expand cultural understanding, and create more welcoming communities for every AFS student joining our communities and for students interested in studying abroad.