On the occasion of his first visit to UWC Thailand, Shelby Davis, one of the leading supporters of international education in the United States, committed $1 million in matched funding to the school. This further strengthens Davis’ unique commitment to the UWC movement and its mission to make education a force for peace and sustainability. UWC Thailand, which joined the global network of 17 United World Colleges one year ago, will now benefit from $1 million as part of the Davis-UWC IMPACT Challenge, an initiative which aims to incentivise alumni, parents, friends and family to donate funds to the UWC schools and colleges. The donation will further enhance UWC Thailand’s extensive scholarship programme which allows students enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, and selected through one of the 159 UWC national committees worldwide, to attend the school independent of their financial means. 

On presenting his gift to UWC Thailand, Davis, a UWC International Patron, said: “I hope my investment in UWC and the future leaders the UWC movement educates will serve as an inspiration to many to support aspiring youths from around the world to gain a world-class education embracing diversity, peace and sustainability so they are equipped to tackle today’s complex challenges, tensions and conflicts. In the years to come, the world needs extraordinary leadership to navigate these challenges  and to make the most of new opportunities - and I believe the UWC movement is ideally suited to educate the leaders and change-makers we need.”

UWC Thailand was founded by German entrepreneur and philanthropist, Klaus Hebben, and joined the UWC movement in 2016 as the 16th United World College. Each of the 17 UWC schools and colleges around the globe bring together young people from a wide spectrum of backgrounds to live and learn together. Entry to UWC schools is highly competitive, but independent of financial means thanks to one of the most extensive scholarship programs for secondary education - supported by generous philanthropists like Shelby Davis. 
Following a highly successful investment and fund management career, Davis devotes much of his philanthropic giving to education. The Davis-UWC IMPACT challenge was launched in August 2015 thanks to an initial donation from Shelby Davis of USD $15 million – one million for each of the 15 UWC schools and colleges at the time by way of matched giving.  

Sir John Daniel, Chair of UWC International, said: "This is great news and on behalf of the UWC movement I express our profound gratitude to Shelby Davis for his continued generosity. His commitment to the UWC movement enables us to continue selecting our students on the basis of promise and potential, regardless of their socio-economic background.”

For the press release, see here.