Smolny Beyond Borders launches fundraising campaign for Program on International Education and Social Change (PIESC) scholarship

Smolny Beyond Borders (SBB), a distance-learning educational initiative founded after the closure of Smolny College in Russia, has launched a fundraising campaign to support graduates of its two-year Smolny Associate Degree Program who intend to transfer to Bard College Berlin to complete their bachelor’s degrees. 

The Smolny Associate Degree Program is a two-year program intended for Russian-speaking displaced students from the Eurasian region. It is a part of the Bard Global Degree, an online degree program for students displaced or threatened by conflict, crisis, or political repression. It offers an opportunity for students who are not yet able to attend an international university — due to financial, logistical, or other challenges — to begin or continue their undergraduate education.

Having begun their studies with Smolny Beyond Borders online, these outstanding students will continue their academic journey in person at Bard College Berlin in the fall of 2027. “By investing in their potential, we are not only transforming one student’s future, we are strengthening a community of leaders and changemakers for years to come,” says Philip Fedchin, manager of the Smolny Beyond Borders Initiative.

With a fundraising goal of €50,000, the money raised will establish a dedicated SBB scholarship within BCB's Program on International Education and Social Change (PIESC), covering two full years of study and living expenses for one student at Bard College Berlin. The PIESC program is currently celebrating its 10th year, having supported 84 students from areas of crisis and conflict. 

The Smolny Associate Degree Program is accepting applications for Fall 2026 until June 1, 2026. Donations to the SBB Scholarship can be made via the Bard College Berlin donation page, by selecting Smolny Beyond Borders from the drop down menu. 

Post Date: 04-21-2026