DETROIT (WXYZ) — A local nonprofit is giving some local teens the opportunity to explore the world with an immersive college readiness program.
Scholarships are available to travel this summer and the program is taking applications now!
High school juniors living in Detroit or attending high school in Detroit can explore the world with the local nonprofit Atlantic Impact. It focuses on an immersive college readiness experience and has opened applications for Detroit high school juniors to apply for the “Our World” program.
Through the program, students are provided with a trip abroad full of historical, cultural and entrepreneurship experiences, making it an immersive global travel experience. Applications are due Jan. 31.
"Traveling internationally and experiencing different cultures expands learning,” said Anise Hayes, executive director of Atlantic Impact. “It is rare for students that we work with to have traveled outside of the country, and only a few have been on a plane. Our program gives high school students those opportunities.”
Since 2013, Atlantic Impact has taken more than 80 students abroad exploring countries such as England and Barbados for example. This year, they are looking to increase that number with trips planned to Barbados and Trinidad for up to 10 days. Prior to travel, students must participate in a semester-long college readiness program that starts Feb. 21.
Denby High School student Harley Davidson James went to Barbados last summer and thanks to the scholarship program for the opportunity.
"It was so eye opening to see what's possible in the world," James said. "I had to get a passport for the trip... so I never even thought about going out of the country. Now, I want to do it again."
He added, "We've had generous donors who've provided money for scholarships, paid for flights, accommodations, excursions... it's just a really great way for students to see the world at extremely low cost."
There is no cost for the program, but students are responsible for the cost to secure their passports before travel. Students will be placed on one trip during one of the following stints: June 17-25; July 7-15; or July 20-28. Students must be Detroit residents, currently in their junior year of high school, and grades must reflect the desire to attend a university. They must be able to attend the college readiness program, and they must obtain a passport before the travel date.
The application to apply for the “Our World” program is at:https://www.atlanticimpact.org/
