USAID’s Impact on International Schools

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has issued a stop-work order that halts funding, significantly affecting international schools reliant on USAID-employed families and partnerships. Schools are facing challenges such as declining enrolment, staffing shortages, disruptions in service-learning programs, and potential financial instability. A survey of aid recipients revealed that over half of respondents lack alternative revenue sources beyond May 2025, with many organisations facing closure.

Additional concerns include potential visa restrictions, funding cuts for sustainable development education, and changes in collaboration with US embassies. The US State Department is also scrutinising Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs in affiliated schools, further complicating the landscape. Schools are advised to stay informed, support affected employees and students and engage with policymakers as efforts to reverse these policies continue.