The World War II Foundation’s Student Film and History Program is dedicated to preserving the stories of our nation’s heroes. Through documentaries, VR films, and immersive experiences, student filmmakers capture firsthand accounts each year, ensuring these memories stay alive and resonate with future generations.
Donating to this program will ensure that a new generation of documentarians keeps these stories from fading into history.
Each year, the non-profit World War II Foundation partners with significant colleges, universities, and organizations nationwide to introduce young filmmakers and future historians to the experience of filming a World War II documentary overseas.
“Honing the craft of documentary filmmaking, photography, and history while honoring the contributions of the Greatest Generation.
Educating students about the world we live in today, utilizing the lessons of those who fought in, witnessed, and survived World War II.”
In 2024, 28 college students joined The World War II Foundation in Europe as we filmed in Germany and Austria. Plans for 2025, our fourth trip to Europe with college students, professors, and historians, are now underway. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Where have we filmed with students?
Italy, France, Switzerland, Germany & Austria
2025 Trip:
Amsterdam (Anne Frank/Holocaust)
The Netherlands (Waal River Crossing)
Belgium (Battle of the Bulge)
Luxembourg (Hurtgen Forest and Battle of the Bulge)
In 2022, The World War II Foundation launched this exciting new educational program with The Newhouse School at Syracuse University and San Diego State University. Last year, the students took part in shooting two films in Italy and also experienced the history and culture of that beautiful country.
In 2023, Syracuse students were joined by current students and recent graduates from the University of Georgia, Davidson College, and the University of Rhode Island on a Foundation film trip to France and Switzerland. Last year’s educational film trip was based on the book Scholars of Mayhem, a true story about an American recruited by one of the Allies’ top spy and Resistance units. The Foundation is making the extraordinary book, based in France around D-Day, into a documentary narrated by actor Kevin Bacon.
In 2024, 28 college students joined The World War II Foundation in Europe as we filmed in Germany and Austria.
The international experience is very hands-on for the students, as they participate each day in meeting our foundation’s professional goals while producing individual and group content they will take back and share with their schools and have available for their resume reels when they graduate.
Following the trip, students participate in the post-production process remotely. Then, they are invited to the world premiere of the documentary at various embassies and historic venues in Washington, DC. They also get their names in the film’s credits, to air globally, as production assistants.
In addition to experiencing the stories of World War II, the students, many of whom have never been out of the United States, also learn about the local culture and history of the country where our filming takes place.
Mike Foreman, a film student from Davidson College, said it best: “Your trip provoked a change in me; it caused me to see some things differently. And change is meant for the better, so continue changing our lives for the better, continue giving us knowledge, continue supporting us, and we will continue to talk and support you!”
Colby College advisor David Ding said, “It was magical to watch the students grow and engage with you. Your efforts and openness showed the critical human side of your profession and work that they needed to see, and they shared how much they enjoyed the experience and learned from you.”
Our 2025 trip is in the planning stages. It will begin in Amsterdam, with various stops in the Netherlands and Belgium, and finally finish in Luxembourg. The University of Georgia, Syracuse University, and Davidson College have already committed to sending students on next year’s trip. Obtaining a sponsor for the 2025 trip would reduce the student cost and make the program more financially accessible to all students.