The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is a nonprofit educational organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., dedicated to developing courageous leaders inspired and equipped to protect and advance the ideas of individual liberty, personal responsibility, and economic freedom. Founded in 1967 by Charles Edison—former Governor of New Jersey, Secretary of the Navy, and son of inventor Thomas Alva Edison—TFAS has educated nearly 50,000 alumni who have become leaders in government, public policy, business, journalism, and philanthropy.
Through its summer academic internship programs, TFAS brings hundreds of college students to Washington each year to intern with congressional offices, government agencies, think tanks, trade associations, and media organizations while earning academic credit through George Mason University. Students also attend site briefings at major institutions of government, participate in guest lectures from leaders across professions, and engage in a one-on-one mentoring program with accomplished professionals.
Two Decades of Board Leadership and Philanthropic Partnership
Louis DeJoy’s involvement with The Fund for American Studies began in 2002 when he joined the TFAS Board of Directors. For nearly two decades, he provided leadership and strategic guidance to the organization, helping advance its mission of educating young people in the principles that undergird a free society. When he was appointed the 75th U.S. Postmaster General in May 2020, Louis stepped down from the board to focus on his public service responsibilities. However, the DeJoy-Woś family has continued their generous financial support of TFAS and its programs without interruption.
The DeJoy-Woś Family Foundation Scholarship
Since 2006, the DeJoy-Woś Family Foundation has funded the prestigious DeJoy-Woś Scholarship program—now celebrating its 20th year. The scholarship provides full tuition and housing for exceptional students from North Carolina and Estonia to attend TFAS summer programs in Washington, D.C.
Each year, the Foundation provides:
- At least eight full scholarships for students attending colleges and universities in North Carolina, with priority given to those with demonstrated financial need
- One full scholarship plus a travel stipend for a student from Estonia
The Estonia component reflects the deep ties Dr. Aldona Woś forged during her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia (2004–2006), where she focused on winning the hearts and minds of the next generation of Estonian leaders and strengthening U.S.-Estonian relations.
Developing Leaders of Integrity
Louis DeJoy has spoken passionately about why he and Aldona continue to invest in TFAS:
“[My motivation is] to develop leaders of integrity in North Carolina and Estonia—leaders who have the commitment to the core principles that lead to economic prosperity and human flourishing. The programs of TFAS develop well-rounded leaders who make a difference on their campus, in their state capitals, and at the highest levels of government. We’re pleased to support these students.”
The DeJoy-Woś scholars go on to build careers in business, public policy, law, journalism, national security, and government service. Recent scholars have interned with the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, the Joint Baltic American National Committee, Penn Quarter Partners, the Orion Policy Institute, and numerous other organizations.
Impact By the Numbers
Through the DeJoy-Woś Scholarship program:
- More than 137 North Carolina students have participated in TFAS summer programs
- More than 54 Estonian students have received full scholarships to study in Washington, D.C.
- Students have been selected from universities across North Carolina, including UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, NC State University, Wake Forest University, Elon University, East Carolina University, High Point University, UNC Wilmington, UNC Greensboro, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central University, Western Carolina University, Campbell University, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Garner-Webb University, and others
Recent Scholar Highlights
DeJoy-Woś scholars consistently describe the TFAS experience as transformational:
“Being a DeJoy-Woś Scholar with the TFAS program has truly been one of the greatest opportunities of my undergraduate career—and of my life. This scholarship has allowed me to engage in meaningful conversations in class, in the dorm, and throughout D.C. with peers from diverse perspectives. I owe Mr. DeJoy and Dr. Woś my deepest gratitude for helping make this dream a reality.” — Greyson Rainwater, 2025 DeJoy-Woś Scholar, UNC Chapel Hill
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities TFAS provides—from classroom discussions and networking events to site briefings that open doors to premier U.S. institutions. Being surrounded by such intelligent, driven students has been inspiring. I know this summer will be a turning point for my professional journey.” — Virginia Buffum, 2025 DeJoy-Woś Scholar, UNC Chapel Hill
“As someone who’s never lived outside of North Carolina, this opportunity to live, learn, and work in Washington, D.C. has been absolutely incredible. Over the last several weeks, I’ve encountered opportunities I never dreamed were possible.” — Caitlin Kaus, 2024 DeJoy-Woś Scholar, UNC Chapel Hill
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work in the heart of D.C. this summer for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs because, as a student in the Air Force ROTC program at my college, this will be my first opportunity to explore working within the military from a civilian perspective. I can’t wait to meet and interact with members of our government who will ultimately have a huge impact on my future career as an Air Force Officer, and that is all thanks to the DeJoy-Woś Family Foundation and TFAS.” — Margaret Cole, 2024 DeJoy-Woś Scholar, Duke University
“It was an extreme honor to receive the DeJoy-Woś Scholarship. Louis DeJoy has worked extremely hard and against many odds to achieve the remarkable success he has had in his career. To be a beneficiary of that success makes me appreciate even more the opportunity to attend Elon and The Fund For American Studies.” — Abigail Lee, 2023 DeJoy-Woś Scholar, Elon University
Annual Scholarship Dinner and Continued Engagement
Each summer, Louis DeJoy and Dr. Aldona Woś host that year’s scholarship recipients for a dinner at TFAS headquarters in Washington, D.C. These gatherings—held in conjunction with the annual TFAS Scholarship Awards Dinner—provide scholars with the opportunity to meet them, hear about their career journeys and public service, and receive mentorship and encouragement as they launch their own careers.
The Foundation has also served as a sponsor of the annual TFAS Scholarship Dinner, including as a “Platinum Sponsor” in 2025, a “Reception Sponsor” in 2023 and 2024, and a “Dinner Sponsor” in 2022. Funds raised through this annual event support scholarships for highly qualified student leaders to attend TFAS programs.
In September 2018, Louis DeJoy and Dr. Aldona Woś traveled to Estonia to host a reception for TFAS alumni and Estonian dignitaries at the Radisson Blu Sky Hotel in Tallinn. The event focused on alumni engagement, continuing education, and encouraging alumni to meet regularly for networking and mutual support in their careers and shared values.
For more information about The Fund for American Studies, visit https://tfas.org/
