Connect with the community – by developing local connection and support network
To participate in our program, students must “pay it forward’ locally, by connecting with a local non-profit and volunteering between 10 and 40 hours, depending on the cost of the trip. Trips are on a sliding scale – though even students who can pay the entire cost will still be required to volunteer at least 10 hours
in a local non-profit, since this is a fundamental part of this program. Our hope is that this will result in deeper local community relationships, activism at a local level and a stronger support network for our students. Connect with the world - through meaningful, fun experiences
Students will have fun adventures, and they will also work hard. They might read to kids in both Spanish and English. Maybe they will build a library for a school in Africa, plant trees in Viet Nam, help a dental clinic in a small Peruvian mountain village, or build a composting facility in the Dominican Republic. They might set up a computer lab in a school in Appalachia. Whatever they do, they will know they have made a lasting impact. They will also have time to do things like horseback riding, ocean kayak fishing, or martial arts classes, and experience local culture and foods. Safety is critically important, and we partner closely with local, experienced and established non-profit organizations for each trip. Students will return with a lifetime of memories, and deeply meaningful experiences they would not be able to get anywhere else. At the same time, they will earn between 20 and 60 hours of community service, which many high schools now require for graduation, and also have an opportunity to practice and hone their language skills. Life-long community service leadership
Students will build a support network and friends for life – this is not just a one-time trip. They will have access to the support necessary to act on their ideas, whether local or global - this might be a combination of encouragement from friends, our crowd-sourced innovation fund and contests, college scholarships and/or mentor connections. Each trip will be led by a college student (coach), as well as at least one adult in the 50+ range (mentor), who has a lifetime of experience to share, and the relationships developed will continue on beyond just a single trip. We are hoping to build and connect a strong cross-generational community of caring people who are dedicated to the idea and value of uplifting service and innovative socially-responsible business. Youth who participate in the program will have opportunities for further leadership training and internships as they move into a college setting. We do have five specific priority areas we try to adhere to:
• Environment and sustainable living through gardens, composting, ocean & fishing preserves
• Arts & Music programs through Music programs/instruction/instruments, art, acting, building theaters, etc
• Education through English language instruction, reading and books, building schools or libraries, tech labs
• Children’s health & basic needs through healthy food, sports & exercise, sanitation projects
• Community economic viability through small business development, entrepreneurship and innovation
