Creating Access to Opportunity

“The only way to have a better world and end poverty is by closing the gap between the top and the bottom.”

-Jose Andres

Who are We?

We are World at Hand (formerly Blessed to Be a Blessing), a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to providing equitable access to international education for low-income and underrepresented students. Through scholarships and award winning innovative programs, we aim to connect students with global opportunities, empowering them to become the next generation of leaders. Founded by Denver native Shawn Wall, our organization is driven by local community members who are committed to fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Our Mission: World at Hand assists underrepresented students in achieving equitable access to cross-cultural and global experiences while completing their college degree.

Our Vision: Equal access to international education and cross cultural experiences through travel, education and cultural exchange.

What do we do?

Our main goal is to help close the opportunity gap that is present in the US secondary education system focusing specifically on the gap within study abroad/international education programs. Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan once said, “In the 21st century a quality education is an international education.” We wish to provide this quality education to the underrepresented students from the Denver Metro Area and eventually across the U.S. 

As the world becomes more and more globally connected and focused people must have international experiences and connections in order to succeed in a global economy. Our target group of students is quite diverse in itself. However, they are the least likely to see the culturally diverse world we live in. By introducing these students to the world around them and letting them see and experience different cultures outside of the United States, we are literally opening the world to them and showing them that they are not alone in their diversity. They can be equal with their access to travel, knowledge, and experiences. By providing scholarships, passports and travel education we wish to create leaders that will not only help their local communities and environments but the global community and environment as well. 

 

The US Education Abroad Opportunity Gap

The information in the chart above is based on the 2018/19 data from the Institute of International Education's OpenDoors Report and the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics.

 

Many underrepresented students in the Denver Metro Area have never traveled. Some haven't even explored the mountains in their own backyard, while others have never left the state—let alone visited the coast or a national monument. For many, traveling abroad seems like an unachievable dream. At World at Hand, we’re determined to change that by opening the world to everyone.

We help underrepresented and low-income students access cross-cultural and global experiences while completing their college degrees. Travel is a life-changing experience that broadens horizons, exposes you to new cultures, and helps you discover who you are outside your comfort zone. It’s an opportunity to build lifelong friendships across the globe. While many families enjoy domestic and international travel during the holidays, not all Americans have the same opportunity.

Data reveals a significant opportunity gap in U.S. secondary education and study abroad programs. In an ideal world, study abroad participation would reflect the diversity of the overall student population. Instead, nearly every underrepresented group is underrepresented in study abroad programs, while Caucasian students are disproportionately represented. Our mission is to eliminate this gap by providing study abroad opportunities to thousands of deserving Denver-area students.

Global Scholars Pathway (GSP)

Through surveys, research, and personal experiences, our team has identified four major barriers preventing underrepresented students from studying abroad: money, knowledge, family, and time. To address these challenges, we have developed our programs around a Five-Step Pathway to Equal Access:

Step 1 – Introduce the Topic
We offer free in-school and community information sessions to introduce students to international education, travel, and the benefits of global experiences.

Step 2 – Build Knowledge
Through our free online program, Bridge the World Academy, students can enroll in introductory courses like Travel Abroad 101 and Study Abroad 101. As we grow, we’ll continue to add courses, webinars, virtual exchanges, and additional resources.

Step 3 – Reinforce Knowledge and Remove Barriers
Our flagship Global Access Passport (GAP) Program solidifies travel knowledge and covers the cost of obtaining a U.S. passport—ensuring that students have both the know-how and the means to travel safely and impactfully.

Step 4 – Create Access through Scholarships
We award $500 study abroad scholarships to Denver Metro Area high school graduates who study abroad during their college careers, breaking down financial barriers.

Step 5 – Support Post-Abroad Success
Our pilot program, Beyond Borders: Next Steps, launches this year to help students reflect on their international journeys, foster personal and professional growth, and smoothly transition back to life in the U.S.—whether they’re headed to grad school, planning another study abroad, or entering the workforce.

Overall, through the Global Scholars Pathway, we introduce, educate, and remove barriers to ensure full access to international opportunities and cross-cultural experiences for low-income and underrepresented students.

  • Adopted by the Board of Directors on February 23, 2022.

    World at Hand is committed to forging and sustaining a community that creates equitable opportunities for all. In aligning with our mission and vision World at Hand guarantees that our work and impact are respectful of the increasingly diverse community of the state of Colorado.

    At World at Hand, we respect and affirm the dignity of all the different members that make up our community. We are dedicated to creating and promoting an equal environment by addressing issues of equity and justice in our community. We do not condone activities that, segregate members of our community, intentionally or not. We welcome individuals of all ages, races, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, religions, socioeconomic statuses, and national or ethnic origins. his includes the appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and firing of staff or contractors, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, selection of clients (Scholars and Alumni), and dealings with the general public.

    World at Hand is committed to always continue furthering the education of our Board and staff as part of our process of developing and maintaining a community that provides equal opportunities for all. We strive to engage students and apply their input to better serve their needs. We actively seek partnerships with parents, community members, and community organizations in order to forge and sustain a community that allows equal opportunities for everyone.

    World at Hand is an equal opportunity employer. We shall not discriminate and will not discriminate in employment, recruitment, Board membership, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, or for any other discriminatory reason.