May 28, 2026

Pickerington, OH — While many students and educators begin summer break, Lakeview Junior High School Teacher Lucas George is preparing for an immersive international learning experience in Japan.

George has been selected for the 2026 Keizai Koho Center Teacher Fellowship, an international program that brings a select group of educators from the United States and Canada to Japan for study and collaboration. He is one of only seven educators selected nationwide for this year’s cohort.

From June 22–30, George will travel to Japan to explore the Japanese economy, visit schools and businesses, and participate in discussions with educators and industry leaders. The program also includes cultural experiences such as homestays and guided excursions designed to deepen understanding of Japanese society.

The fellowship is organized by the Keizai Koho Center (KKC), an independent nonprofit affiliated with Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), and is designed to strengthen global understanding through firsthand learning experiences.

For George, the opportunity is both professionally meaningful and personally inspiring.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be selected for such a prestigious fellowship, especially alongside such a select group of educators nationwide,” he said. “I have long been passionate about comparative education, and this opportunity feels like the culmination of a lifelong curiosity about how different cultures approach learning and community.”

“This fellowship will allow me to bring authentic, first-hand experiences from Japan into my classroom, enriching our discussions on global economics and society, and inspiring my students to think as global citizens.”

George also expressed appreciation for Principal Ben Baptist and colleague Gregory DeVoe for their support throughout the application process. He is also looking forward to experiencing Japan for the first time and continuing his interest in global cultures that began with earlier international travel.