A Short Introduction to the History of the Kosciuszko Foundation and Its Programs

The text outlines the history of the Kosciuszko Foundation, paying special attention to the life of its founder, Szczepan Mierzwa, who came to the USA in 1910, at the age of 17. By 1925 he changed his name to Stephen Mizwa, became Assistant Professor of Economics at Drake University, and founded the Kosciuszko Foundation in New York City, which has been providing financial support to Polish scholars ever since. The text also gives an overview of all the programs that the Kosciuszko Foundation currently offers to Polish and American scholars and students.