For decades, Bill has represented the values at the heart of TASIS: intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, integrity, generosity, and an exceptional ability to connect people across cultures, generations, and perspectives. His leadership has reflected a deeply humanistic vision of education, valuing not only academic achievements, but also character, empathy, and responsibility to others.

This scholarship seeks and supports students who light up a community as Bill does; young people whose presence strengthens those around them through kindness, cooperation, and a genuine respect for other people.

The long-term goal of the William E. Eichner Scholarship Fund is to create access for exceptional students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience a TASIS education, particularly those with the character and potential to multiply this opportunity for others.

We know one person can be a catalyst—just like Mrs. Fleming, Jan Opsahl, and Bill Eichner have been.

The William E. Eichner Scholarship is awarded to students entering grade 10 and provides full financial support through grades 10, 11, and 12, subject to continued academic performance, personal conduct, and ongoing alignment with the values and purpose of the Scholarship Program. New scholarship awards are made periodically, subject to the availability of funding and the Program’s existing commitments.

Recipients are expected to fully participate in the academic, cultural, and community life of TASIS.

At the sole discretion of the school and the Scholarship Committee, the Scholarship will include but is not limited to the following:

• Full tuition and boarding accommodation
• Academic essentials and associated fees including Academic Travel, participation in the Global Service Program, and most sports and clubs
• Additional costs as determined appropriate by the school and Scholarship Committee
• Full tuition and boarding accommodation
• Academic essentials and associated fees including Academic Travel, participation in the Global Service Program, and most sports and clubs

Additional costs, as determined appropriate by the school and scholarship committee, not included in the scholarship:

• Round-trip travel from home to Lugano at least twice per year
• School uniforms
• Extra academic costs such as standardized test fees (AP: $99/ subject; IB: £76–100/subject)
• Sports or activities that require extra costs (e.g. golf, ski rental, private music lessons)
• Allowance or stipend; we suggest CHF 100 per week for essentials

Candidates must be entering 10th grade (around 15 years old) in the 2027–28 academic year.

Candidates should demonstrate the following:

• Strong academic performance
• Potential for leadership
• Intellectual curiosity and initiative
• Integrity, responsibility, and personal maturity
• Kindness, empathy, and the ability to engage meaningfully with others
• A collaborative mindset and a natural inclination to strengthen community
• Courage, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges with character
• Openness to dialogue across cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives
• Adaptability to new situations and experiences
• The potential to serve as a TASIS Ambassador, carrying the values of TASIS into the world beyond campus

Application Process

If you meet the guidelines of an Eichner Scholar, ensure we have your email address and we will send you the application information when it is available.

We require the following:

• transcript/educational background
• language background
• interests information
• family information
• personal statement (500 words)
• graded writing sample
• recommendations from one teacher and one other adult
• reference from a peer
• parent statement (500 words)
• proof of community and leadership involvement
• description of personal experiences that demonstrate resilience
• evidence of bridge-building and fostering an inclusive environment
• information on the student’s household and financial background

Note that we expect all applicant writing to be created without the use of LLMs or AI.

Short-listed candidates participate in a final interview with members of the Scholarship Committee.
 

Application Deadlines

Application deadlines will be shared at a later date. Please join our mailing list (form below) to receive notifications about the scholarship program.

The Scholarship is intended to create a lasting circle of stewardship. Recipients become part of the Scholarship Program’s long-term purpose and responsibility as they move forward in life.

Eichner Scholars are encouraged to remain connected to TASIS and to the values that made their opportunity possible.

Over time, Eichner Scholars may contribute through mentorship, guidance to future Scholars, community leadership, and, where appropriate, philanthropic support to help sustain the Scholarship Program for future generations.

Eligibility and Selection

Meeting the published eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection for the scholarship. The number of scholarships awarded in any given year is limited and subject to the availability of funds. The school reserves the right to award no scholarship in any given cycle if, in its sole judgment, no candidate meets the required standard. All selection decisions are made by the Scholarship Committee in its sole and absolute discretion. Decisions are final and are not subject to appeal or review. The Committee is under no obligation to disclose the reasons for any selection decision.

Continuation and Renewal

The scholarship is subject to annual review. The school and scholarship committee reserve the right to suspend, reduce, or revoke the scholarship at any time if, in their sole judgment, the conditions outlined in the Award Provisions and Terms are not being met.

Non-Discrimination

The scholarship does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Selection is based solely on the criteria described in this document.

Application Materials and Data

All application materials submitted become the property of the school and will be handled in accordance with applicable data-protection regulations. Materials will not be returned to applicants.