Travel + Leisure Co.’s Post

When I started using outdoor and experiential education as my primary approach to teaching high school I immediately saw the changes in my students' faces, their body language, and how they navigated and interacted with the world. I could see and sense in their interactions with the world the shift in what we now call 'mindset'. Back in the day, people would ask me how I knew that what I was doing with these teens would be effective, long-lasting, and have an impact. In short, they asked, "What is the evidence?" Back then, my stock response was to say "Ask me in 10 years, then we will know how they are doing and how we did." Here are two personal stories that demonstrate the power of outdoor education to change lives. Last week, I saw a post (linked below) about OBCA staff member Roger Lopez and the critical role he plays as a lead instructor for Outward Bound California. His life journey is inspirational and out on course he is a role model for his students. It is not a coincidence that Roger is an alum of Get Out and Learn (getoutandlearn.org), a high school experiential and outdoor education program in the SFUSD. His experiences in that program offered him the chance to go on Outward Bound, which turned the outdoors into a lifetime career and put him on the pathway toward becoming an outstanding OBCA staff member. Similarly, Belynda Ray is an alum of GOAPe, a predecessor program to GOAL. Her success in that program led her to become an OBCA Pinnacles scholar and a life-changing experience in the wilderness. Today, decades later, Roger and Belynda continue to pay it forward to the next generation. The partnership between OBCA and community organizations give youth like Belynda and Roger the opportunity to go on life-changing experiences with Outward Bound California. None of this is possible without the scholarships OBCA offers. IT IS individual donations that make what seems financially impossible, possible. Yes, it was a previous generation of generous donors like you who changed Roger and Belynda's lives. Tomorrow (May 8th), we rappel to support the next generation of Rogers and Belyndas. Please join us with your financial support. It's worth it. https://lnkd.in/gMVc-mTU Roger's Journey with OBCA https://lnkd.in/gT34Rb9V

Founded in 2004, Higher Heights Youth Empowerment Programs, Inc. is a state-wide college access organization that promotes equal access and opportunities for under-represented college bound student to obtain a post-secondary education in Connecticut.  Our goal is to increase college readiness, participation and completion in Connecticut among low-income students, first-generation college-going students and students of color.Each year HHYEP has had 100% high school graduation rate, 100% college acceptance rate, and 80% parent involvement rate. Higher Heights has personally employed over 95 youth, 100% have graduated from high school, 95% have enrolled into college receiving over $10 million in scholarships and grants.  The mission of HHYEP is to change the lives of under-represented college bound students to EMPOWER, ENCOURAGE, and EQUIP them to obtain a post-secondary education. We’ve raised $3,000 so far and I am asking for you for support in Day 2 of The Great Give: https://lnkd.in/epBRpZ-t

Having grown up in Bosnia during the Bosnian War in the 90s, then being exiled to Croatia shortly after, and finally having sought refuge from Croatia to the US in 1998, my family heavily relied on food banks and donations during my early childhood. Despite the challenges, some of my most cherished memories revolve around family and food, thanks to the generosity of individuals who supported these organizations. As the holiday season approaches, the act of dropping off hundreds of frozen turkeys to a local perish thanks to Fairfield University and Aramark Collegiate Hospitality evokes powerful reflections on the prevalent issue of food insecurity facing students on college campuses across the United States. The significance of these donations cannot be overstated, especially in the context of the ongoing crisis. While it may seem that such contributions are infrequent, they serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need to address food insecurity among students. The reality is that many college students struggle to meet their basic nutritional needs, impacting their overall well-being and academic success. As we engage in holiday traditions of giving and gratitude, it is essential to extend our compassion beyond our immediate circles. The ability to donate, whether in the form of food items or financial support, becomes a meaningful way to address food insecurity on college campuses. Reflecting on my own experiences, I am reminded not only to be thankful for the ability to contribute but also to advocate for sustained efforts to support those who may be experiencing hardships reminiscent of my own past. Together, we can work towards creating a future where no student has to face the challenges of food insecurity, fostering an environment where they can focus on their education and dreams without the burden of hunger. #fighthunger #foodinsecurity #donateforchange

Highlighting an opportunity to support the Boston Collegiate Charter School, a historic Boston school focused on preparing students from all backgrounds for college. Since their first graduating class in 2004, 100% of Boston Collegiate's diploma-earning seniors have been accepted to four-year colleges, and 75% have earned a degree or are persisting toward one. BCCS students achieve these high rates with the help of the Edward M. Kennedy Scholarship Fund, which supports graduates pursuing degrees by covering tuition and living expenses. Please consider supporting the Fund: 1) Purchase tickets to their upcoming fundraiser and enjoy a fun night with friend or family at local brewery 2) Make a tax-deductible donation to the fundraiser (personal, employer, or raffle item) 3) Share this post with your network https://lnkd.in/g-HNQsst

What makes someone a good philanthropist? This week the record breaking $20 million gift from entrepreneur Terry Snow AM to elite Canberra Grammar School again featured in the media. The gift, which is believed to be one of the largest endowments ever to an Australian school, funded the Snow Concert Hall along with several indigenous scholarships, aimed at achieving a new benchmark for independent education in Australia. The concert hall is now attracting world-class musicians, performing for the benefit of Canberra Grammar students and the wider community. There are some who have openly criticized this significant gift, claiming it perpetuates the inequity that exists between private and public schools. But what makes someone a good philanthropist? And how does one determine what is a worthy cause? When it comes to philanthropy, there are many ways to bake the proverbial cake. Philanthropy will never become an exact science—it is inherently an act of judgment and faith in the pursuit of long-term goals, that might involve halting the alarming decline in Australia’s biodiversity, driving social justice, or alleviating housing instability. I firmly believe there is no “correct” way to be a philanthropist. What matters is that you make informed, thoughtful decisions. And that there is opportunity for learning, evaluation and ultimately enjoying the satisfaction and joy from the impact you are making with your giving. #philanthropy #giving #education #elston

Here's how Georgia Student Scholarship Organization saves the state of Georgia and TAXPAYERS money. 👇 💸 💵 The Georgia Qualified Education Expense Tax Program saves the state millions of dollars each year. Under this program, individuals and corporations can make tax-credit donations to authorized non-profit organizations which then fund scholarships at private schools in Georgia 💵 Every dollar contributed to the program saves the state $1.68. 💵 By donating, you receive a 100% dollar for dollar tax credit. 🎓 Additionally, the program furthers educational opportunities for your children! School choice programs, like Georgia Student Scholarship Organization, are correlated with positive impacts on student test scores, graduation rates and college attainment, thus providing future potential public benefits of lifetime earnings and achievement. 🍎 Visit https://buff.ly/3pv9msT today to pledge for the 2024 year or learn more about the process. 📲 #scholarship #scholarshipopportunities #taxcredit #privateschool #education #schoolchoice #nonprofit

The Benefits of Early Childhood Education When selecting an Early Childhood Education Program for your child, look for programs that focus on creating a supportive, engaging environment in which students can develop essential competencies, explore, create, and express themselves, while learning to take healthy risks, and developing the frameworks for essential social, emotional, and academic skills Support our educational programme #fcf #nonprofit #donation #school #child https://lnkd.in/gUz9DPRn

“Even with the extra funding next year, concerns remain about the rising tuition burdens on students, especially because Colorado students pay more on average than students at peer universities in other states.” The budget proposal includes funding for college/university operations and student financial aid. The proposal also includes a cap for tuition increases—up to 3% for in-state undergrads and no more than 4% for out-of-state undergrads. Making postsecondary education more affordable and accessible is necessary in prioritizing inclusive pathways for Colorado students. Learn more about Colorado’s budget proposal for education: https://buff.ly/49mkwkW #denvernonprofit #coloradononprofit #nonprofitresources #philanthropy #denvernonprofit #scholarships #scholarshipfund #highereducation #highereducationleadership #ProsperityInEducation #EducationMatters #AffordableEducationDenver #ScholarshipsForSuccessDenver

ICYMI: We revealed this year’s #FamilyU Seal recipients yesterday! These 13 higher education institutions and one nonprofit organization are investing in #StudentParentSuccess, ensuring their families are welcomed, valued, and supported. ⭐ In addition to awarding the Seal, we also selected one exemplar higher education institution and one exemplar nonprofit organization from among this group to receive a cash prize to advance their student parent work. Congratulations, Montgomery College and the Jeremiah Program! With more than 1 in 5 college students across the country parenting, the work that these institutions and organizations are doing is crucial for promoting college completion and economic mobility. Learn more about the FamilyU Seal and our 2023 recipients: https://lnkd.in/en6cgyGR . . . Image description: A photo of a student parent in graduation robes and their child holding hands and smiling at each other. Text in a blue banner over the image says, “Exemplar nonprofit: Jeremiah Program; Exemplar Higher Education Institution: Montgomery College,” and the FamilyU Seal is in the top left corner. #ParentingStudents #HigherEducation #StudentParentSuccess #CollegeCompletion #Nonprofits #HigherEducationLeadership #HigherEdEquity #CollegesAndUniversities

Financial assistance, accessibility, or other relevant resources needed to balance life outside education are barriers for students looking to take the next step after community college. Prosperity Denver Fund partners with other nonprofits to increase the number of historically underserved Denver students who access scholarships, complete a postsecondary degree, and strengthen the local economy. Learn how the state of Colorado is working to close the gap while students are still in high school: https://buff.ly/49MwVjv #denvernonprofit #coloradononprofit #nonprofitresources #philanthropy #denvernonprofit #scholarships #scholarshipfund #highereducation #highereducationleadership #ProsperityInEducation #EducationMatters #AffordableEducationDenver #ScholarshipsForSuccessDenver