The Fulbright Association held Advocacy Day at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on March 19, 2026. Representatives from Fulbright Association chapters across the country met with 125 congressional offices to ask to restore FY 2025 funding at $287.8m for FY 2027, share the Fulbright Program’s national significance, and address the Program’s direct impact in communities and districts across the country.
2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, and for eight decades, the Fulbright Program has remained a vital investment in people, ideas, and international understanding. With more than 400,000 Fulbright alumni worldwide, the collective impact of this program is immense. A full recap of Advocacy Day is available on the Fulbright Association website.
Two members of our chapter, Virginia Gilliland and Megan Thompson, attended Advocacy Day on our behalf. Photos of their experience follow. As Virginia put it, “Grateful to join the Fulbright Association for this year’s Advocacy Day on the Hill. It was an honor to share the importance of the Fulbright Program and the impact of international exchange and education in the United States.”
Fulbright Association members with Rep. Sheila Cheriflus-McCormick
Fulbright Association members with a staff member from Sen. Jon Ossoff’s office
Fulbright Association members with a staff member from Rep. Rich McCormick’s office
