The French-American Foundation’s multi-year policy programs focus in depth on topics in social and educational policy, culture, international relations, and business and finance. These programs are designed to provide a comparative perspective on issues of common concern in France and the United States, to promote the exchange of information about innovative approaches and best practices, and to produce a significant impact on public debates and public policy in both countries.
          Previous programs, including the Early Education Program, and the Maternal and Child Health Program, have generated considerable public as well as media interest, and informed American policymakers at the state and national levels. The French-American Foundation has conducted study tours on these policy areas for governors, senators, and state legislators, and testified before the U.S. Senate.

Current Policy Programs   

 In 2006, the French-American Foundation initiated its most important new social policy program on “Equality of Opportunity in Education and Employment: French and American Perspectives”. This program focuses on French and American strategies to reduce the impact of discrimination and promote greater opportunity for minority and immigrant populations, particularly in education and employment, critical policy vehicles for social integration. To learn more about the “Equality of Opportunity” program, click here.  
          In the “Early Education Program,” which focuses on France’s renowned preschool system (école maternelle), the Foundation has conducted study tours, published reports, organized working forums, informed the media, and briefed policymakers at the highest levels. To learn more about the “Early Education Program,” click here.

To download  a copy of these reports please click the icons below

     Our work on social policy also includes a comparative approach to French and American health care systems and the challenges they encounter. In 2004, the French-American Foundation co-sponsored a colloquium on French health care, resulting in a publication by Victor Rodwin on “Universal Health Insurance in France: How sustainable?” In March 2007, the Foundation organized a panel discussion bringing together policy experts on “Reforming the U.S. Health Care System: Lessons from France?” and we are planning future events on this topic.

To download Victor Rodwin’s book “Universal Health Insurance in France - How Sustainable?”
click here

To listen to the panel discussion “Reforming the U.S. Health Care System: Lessons from France?” click here

To read the transcript of the panel discussion,
click here

Previous Policy Programs

Previous policy programs have included initiatives on early childhood education (école maternelle), child care, maternal and child health policy, cultural financing and management, and youth violence. To see the list of our previous policy programs, click here