The Worldwide Education Fund (WEF) is deeply honored to shine a light on Henry and Suzanne Herzing, whose extraordinary generosity and unwavering support have transformed countless lives across underserved communities in South Asia, Central Asia, and West Africa. As the founders of Herzing University, their family’s vision for accessible, high-quality education aligns seamlessly with WEF’s mission to create opportunities for those who need them most.
Through their partnership, the Herzings have championed groundbreaking projects, from innovative virtual learning platforms to early childhood development initiatives and scholarships that open doors to global academic excellence.
Global Virtual School: Breaking Barriers with Online Education
With the Herzings’ steadfast support, WEF transformed the Global Virtual School (GVS) from a small ESL class in Khorog, Tajikistan, into a lifeline for over 1,300 students across 9 countries and 30 educational centers in South and Central Asia and West Africa. Over five years, GVS bridged the gap for underserved students, connecting them with volunteer teachers from English-speaking countries. For many, it was more than just learning English—it was their first step toward breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking a world of opportunities
Herzing University MBA Scholarship: Unlocking Leadership Potential
Another testament to Herzings’ generosity is the WEF-Herzing University MBA Scholarship, a life-changing initiative for students from Pakistan, India, and Tajikistan. This program offered full-tuition scholarships to deserving individuals from marginalized communities to pursue MBA degrees at Herzing University’s Atlanta campus or online. 20 scholars completed this program, equipped with advanced business education and career mentoring to prepare them for leadership roles.
Projects in Chitral, Pakistan: Learning Centers, ECLC & Scholarships
The Herzings are transforming education in Chitral, Pakistan through their support of WEF’s Learning Centers, which integrate Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Technology-Assisted English Language Labs in free government schools. These centers provide engaging ECD activities for children aged 3-5 in the mornings and English language training for grades 1-5 in the afternoons, benefiting over 2,000 students with modern resources and a nurturing environment.
Expanding WEF’s mission, the Herzings also support Early Childhood Learning Centers (ECLC) in remote valleys, ensuring foundational education for children who face challenges in accessing schools. With trained educators and hands-on Montessori methods, ECLCs have already impacted 26 learners in the pilot phase, with plans to scale up to 100 centers, benefiting 2,500 students while creating employment for women.
Beyond early education, the Herzings are empowering Chitral’s youth by offering scholarships for a virtual Cybersecurity and Computer Networking diploma from Herzing College Canada. This opportunity enables Chitral’s youth to gain valuable skills in the rapidly growing tech sector, bridging the gap between education and career prospects.
A Legacy of Compassion and Hope
Founded in 1965 by Henry and Susan Herzing, Herzing University embodies its vision for career-focused, accessible education. Under the leadership of their daughter, Renée Herzing, the university continues to inspire with its innovative programs, consistently recognized as one of the “Best Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs” by U.S. News & World Report.
The Herzing family’s partnership with WEF is more than philanthropy—it’s a legacy of compassion, hope, and empowerment. Their belief in the power of education has touched thousands of lives, and their unwavering commitment to underserved communities inspires us all.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Henry and Suzanne Herzing for their remarkable generosity and the lasting impact they have made. Together, we are building a brighter, more equitable future.
