The American Institute of Polish Culture

The American Insitute of Polish Culture, ongoing programs include: The Harriet Irsay Scholarship was established in 1992 and every year it awards ten to fifteen scholarships to talented students. All majors and areas of study are considered and most applicants are of Polish descent. Over the years, AIPC has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to more than 400 worthy students.

In 1998, the Institute spearheaded the establishment of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies at the University of Virginia for research, education, and sponsorship of visiting scholars. In 2008, the Chair was moved to the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C. where lectures and conferences continue to be presented on a regular basis. AIPC also established the lecture series at the Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies at the University of Virginia in 2005 until late 2019.

AIPC has sponsored hundreds of lectures at educational facilities throughout the years. As a result of four and half decades of collaboration with leading national public state universities, the Lady Blanka Rosenstiel Lecture Series on Poland were established in 1998, 2008,2010. Topics focus on current affairs such as globalization, art, music, politics and economics. In addition, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) in Washington, D.C. has benefitted from scholarship funding from the Institute since 1999. Every summer, TFAS sends scholarship recipients to a 3-month international program that explores dozens of world issues led by renowned historians, leaders, and scientists.

The first International Polonaise Ball was held in Miami 51 years ago and serves as the main fundraiser for the Institute. Every year a different theme explores the cultural ties between Poland and other countries, such as Spain, India, Greece, Japan, Italy, Great Britain, Argentina, Brazil, and China. Guests attend from all over the world. The Institute's Gold Medal has been awarded to many worthy recipients during the Ball.