William Ascher Fellowship

Over the past 25 years, Global Fund for Children has evolved from a spark of inspiration to a global grassroots network advancing children’s rights around the world. This growth was made possible thanks to individuals like Dr. William Ascher, our founding Chair and long-time champion.

Dr. Ascher supported Global Fund for Children in its earliest days, providing guidance and mentorship to our Founder Maya Ajmera, and serving on our Board for more than ten years. In 2004, we established the William Ascher Fellowship to honor his enduring legacy. Each year, we offer one fellowship to an undergraduate or graduate student to conduct a research project.

Today, Dr. Ascher is the Donald C. McKenna Professor of Government and Economics at Claremont McKenna College and Director of the Roberts Environmental Center, Claremont McKenna College’s flagship institute for the study of the intersection of contemporary environmental issues and public policy.

Ascher Fellows include:

2024: Esther Aoko

2023: Blondie Beatrice Ndebele

2022: Gloriah Kerubo

2021: Sam Phillips-Corwin

2020: Martha Baker

2019: Akashi Kaul

2018: Lida Minasyan

2017: Matison Hearn-Desautels and Nayanthi Peiris

2016: Elizabeth Solem

2015: Laura Neff

2014: Sarah Ellison

2013: Julia Walin

2012: Joanna Mast

2011: Eric Miller

2010: Hilary Boller

2009: Meghan Kaufmann

2008: Matt Levy

2007: Sarah Ireland

2006: Tammy Thi Phan

2005: Clara Schmidt

Please see our Careers page for a list of current fellowship openings.