To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.”
– Lao Tzu
Initiatives
The Robert & MeiLi Hefner Foundation established the “HEFNER INITIATIVE – GLOBAL ECOSYSTEM and ENVIRONMENT” to support projects that better the global ecosystem and environment.
Hefner Initiative – Darwin200 | Journey of Discovery | Global Voyage Launches 2023
This project is inspired by the legacy of Charles Darwin, and aims to drive passion for nature and conservation across the world. The DARWIN200 project selects Darwin Leaders from 200 countries and states and offers the opportunity to work with many of the world’s leading environmentalists.
The Hefner Foundation is sponsoring two Darwin Leaders to research a conservation subject that Charles Darwin studied and undertake research, interviews, and investigative work to understand what happened to the population of the selected species over time. The selected naturalists will present their findings to the world and communicate a life-long change in how to protect the natural world and a better hope for the future.
The Robert and MeiLi Hefner Foundation is a key partner of DARWIN200 https://darwin200.com
Hefner Initiative – Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam
We are helping to fund research that we believe could have significant implications for our global ecosystem and environment. The research project will be conducted at the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam with Toby Kiers and Merlin Sheldrake.
The project involves using techniques from neuroscience to study information transfer in fungal networks.
To enhance understanding between China and the USA – a relationship the Hefners believe to be the defining global relationship for the 21st Century, the “HEFNER INITIATIVE – USA/CHINA/ASIA” select young individuals and adults from the USA, China, and Asia to participate in two-to-four week cultural and educational activities abroad. Participants will experience and develop an understanding of international and interpersonal communications through global diversity awareness. This Initiative consists of participation categories, each associated with particular criteria of qualifications and requirements.
Hefner Initiative – Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics
The OSSM committee for the “Hefner Initiative – OSSM” program reviews the applications and submits the semi-finalists to the Foundation for the selection of the successful applicant(s) known as “Hefner Scholar.”
In partnership with OSSM, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, participant eligibility is based on qualifications and requirements from applicants.
- Junior Class high school student from OSSM
- United States Citizen
- United States Passport with one year validity
- Visa is the responsibility of the participant
- Applicant’s Cover Letter, including one paragraph on the Hefner Initiative and its mission
- Applicant’s Resume listing solid performance at OSSM (academic & volunteerism)
- Official School Transcript, ACT or SAT Scores
- Essay on the applicant’s view in regard to USA/ China/ Asia relations (minimum of 750 words)
- Essay on the history of the destination cities of the program (minimum of 750 words)
- Waiver release form signed by the participant and parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Post-trip essay, with photographs/videos submitted within two weeks upon return, describing their experience and how the participant regards the importance of USA/ China/ Asia relations after visiting
- Give a slide show presentation to their school, their community, and at various associations sharing their experience
- Application submission dates to be determined
Hefner Initiative – The Webb Schools
The Webb Schools committee for the “Hefner Initiative – Webb Schools” program reviews the applications and submits the semi-finalists to the Foundation for the selection of the successful applicant(s) known as “Hefner Scholar.”
In partnership with The Webb Schools, in Claremont, California, participant eligibility is based on qualifications and requirements from applicants.
- Junior Class high school student from The Webb Schools
- United States Citizen
- United States Passport with one year validity
- Visa is the responsibility of the participant
- Applicant’s Cover Letter, including one paragraph on the Hefner Initiative and its mission
- Applicant’s Resume listing solid performance at Webb (academic & volunteerism)
- Official School Transcript, ACT or SAT Scores
- Essay on the applicant’s view in regard to USA/ China/ Asia relations (minimum of 750 words)
- Essay on the history of the destination cities of the program (minimum of 750 words)
- Waiver release form signed by the participant and parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Post-trip essay, with photographs/videos submitted within two weeks upon return, describing their experience and how the participant regards the importance of USA/ China/ Asia relations after visiting
- Give a slide show presentation to their school, their community, and at various associations sharing their experience
- Application submission dates to be determined
Hefner Initiative – Beijing High School No 4
The Beijing High School No 4 committee for the “Hefner Initiative – BHS4” program reviews the applications and essays and submits the semi-finalists to the Foundation for the selection of the successful applicant(s) known as “Hefner Scholar.”
In partnership with Beijing High School No 4. in Beijing, China, participant eligibility is based on qualifications and requirements from applicants.
- Junior Class high school student from BHS4
- Chinese Citizen
- Chinese Passport with one year validity
- Visa is the responsibility of the participant
- Applicant’s Cover Letter, including one paragraph on the Hefner Initiative and its mission
- Applicant’s Resume listing solid performance at BHS4 (academic & volunteerism)
- Official School Transcript, ACT or SAT Scores/ or equivalent standard testing
- Essay on the applicant’s view in regard to China/ USA relations (minimum of 750 words)
- Essay on the history of the destination cities of the program (minimum of 750 words)
- Waiver release form signed by the participant and parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Post-trip essay, with photographs/videos submitted within two weeks upon return, describing their experience and how the participant regards the importance of China/ USA relations after visiting
- Give a slide show presentation to their school, their community, and at various associations sharing their experience
- Application submission dates to be determined
Hefner Initiative – Scholar
The Robert & MeiLi Hefner Foundation reviews all of the applications for the selection of the successful applicant(s) known as “Hefner Scholar.”
Participant eligibility is based on qualifications and requirements from applicants. - Junior or Senior Class high school student in The United States
- United States Citizen
- United States Passport with one year validity
- Visa is the responsibility of the participant
- Applicant’s Cover Letter, including one paragraph on the Hefner Initiative and its mission
- Applicant’s Resume listing solid performance at school (academic & volunteerism)
- Official School Transcript, ACT or SAT Scores
- Recommendation Letter from current high school Principal
- Recommendation Letter from current school administrator or counselor
- Letter of Consent from applicant’s parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Essay on the applicant’s view in regard to USA/ China/ Asia relations (minimum of 750 words)
- Essay on the history of the destination cities of the program (minimum of 750 words)
- Waiver release form signed by the participant and parent(s) or guardian(s)
- Post-trip essay, with photographs/videos submitted within two weeks upon return, describing their experience and how the participant regards the importance of USA/ China/ Asia relations after visiting
- Give a slide show presentation to their school, their community, and at various associations sharing their experience
- Application submission dates to be determined
Hefner Initiative – Ambassador
The Robert & MeiLi Hefner Foundation reviews all of the applications for the selection of the successful applicant(s) known as “Hefner Ambassador”.
Participant eligibility is based on qualifications and requirements from applicants. - 18 years of age and above
- Proof of National Citizenship
- Passport with one year validity
- Visa is the responsibility of the participant
- Applicant’s Cover Letter, including one paragraph on the Hefner Initiative and its mission
- Applicant’s Resume
- Essay on the applicant’s view in regard to USA/ China/ Asia relations (minimum of 750 words)
- Essay on the history of the destination cities of the program (minimum of 750 words)
- Two Recommendation Letters from current and previous: employers, supervisors, principals or educators
- Waiver release form signed by the participant
- Post-trip essay, with photographs/videos submitted within two weeks upon return, describing their experience and how the participant regards the importance of USA/ China/ Asia relations after visiting
- Give a slide show presentation to their school, colleagues, community, and at various associations sharing their experience
- Application submission dates to be determined