
“I know I can’t give every student a scholarship but I can at least give the knowledge and means of travel to as many as possible.”
-Shawn Wall (Executive Director/Founder) on our flagship Global Access Passport (GAP) Program
The Global Scholars Pathway (GSP)
The GSP is a five-step model designed to help students overcome common barriers to international education. Through information sessions, online and in person courses, passport assistance, scholarships, and post-travel support, GSP ensures students are fully prepared for global experiences—from their first introduction to international education to their return home and beyond.
Introduce Topic
-
These informational sessions are held in school for various classes, clubs and student organizations. From the sessions students gain a general introduction to World at Hand, study abroad, international travel and their benefits and an option to sign up for our programs. If you would like to request a session at your local high school or university please email programs@worldathand.org to set up a time and date.
-
Like our Student Informational Sessions, this program is designed to introduce parents to the benefits of international education and travel opportunities. We introduce our programs and how they benefit their children. To end the session we open for feedback and discussion to ensure that the needs and concerns of parents and families are met.
If you would like to request a session for yourself or parents in your community please email programs@worldathand.org to set up a time and date.
Build Knowledge - Free Online Access
-
Bridge the World Academy courses are designed to introduce students to essential travel and international education topics. Not everyone has the opportunity to learn about traveling from their parents, but through these FREE online programs, students can gain valuable knowledge that might not otherwise be accessible to them.
The academy currently offers two courses:
Study Abroad 101 – Now refreshed with updated content, this course provides a strong foundation in international education. While not required, it is highly recommended for students considering study abroad opportunities.
International Travel 101 – Our newly launched course designed to equip students with essential travel knowledge and skills.
Upon completing these courses, students will be able to confidently discuss international education, travel, and trip planning. This knowledge empowers them to consider traveling independently or begin planning for future study abroad opportunities.
Prerequisite for the Global Access Passport (GAP) Program
To be eligible for the GAP Program, students must complete International Travel 101. This ensures that participants have a foundational understanding of travel logistics, international education, and trip preparation before applying for passport assistance. While not required, Study Abroad 101 is strongly recommended for students interested in studying abroad in the future.
Over time, Bridge the World Academy will expand to include additional courses, podcasts, webinars, and resources on topics such as travel budgeting, planning, packing, sustainability, and more.
Reinforce Learning & Remove Barriers
-
The flagship Global Access Passport Program was created to address many of the major factors preventing underrepresented and low-income students from traveling abroad. By providing resources for these students to begin thinking about world travel before or shortly after they proceed with their post-secondary plans, we are expanding their possibility to learn outside of the classroom and making international opportunities more accessible and realistic.
GAP builds off the content from the 101 courses and allows for in-person practical use of the knowledge. Students will apply for a passport, and learn more in-depth about travel budgeting, and trip planning. Upon course completion, a student will be fully prepared with both the knowledge and means of traveling and studying abroad.
GAP has a fee of $240 which covers the cost of the passport, photos, application and all other program costs.
Certain students can apply for a fee waiver. To qualify students must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be eligible for free/reduced lunch or Pell Grant, and be attending or plan to attend an institute of secondary education (backed by AP courses or a note from Student Advisor).
Create Access Through Scholarships
-
A general scholarship for eligible Denver Metro Area High School graduates created to address the number one factor prohibiting low-income and underrepresented students from studying abroad; money.
World at Hand awards $500 scholarships to low income and underrepresented students to pursue their dreams of studying abroad!
These scholarships can be used for any part of your study abroad experience- spending money, airfare, tuition, whatever it is needed for.
Fall Semester Programs:
-Application opens May 21st and are accepted until July 15th.
-Winners will be notified early August.Spring Semester Programs:
-Application opens September 21st and are accepted until November 15th.
-Winners will be notified in December.Summer Programs:
-Application opens last week of February and will be accepted until April 8th.
-Winners will be notified late April or early May.Requirements:
Requirements:
Graduated from a Denver Metro Area High School
Preference is given to Graduates of DPS/APS High Schools as this is where most of our programming occurs.
Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant (SAI 19,999 or below)
Priority is given to students with Maximum Pell Grants (SAI -1500-0)
Identify as a low-income and/or underrepresented student
GPA (cumulative) 2.5 or GPA: 3.0+ from previous semester
Have been accepted/have applied to an in-person study abroad program.
Scholarship recipients will be expected to provide photos and written pieces to be used by World at Hand for donor communication and marketing purposes. These include a headshot and quote pre-departure, a short update + photos mid-semester, and a more extensive study abroad experience story after returning home. An additional opportunity for a social media takeover day is available and appreciated but not required.
-
There are many study abroad scholarships available to make your experience more affordable. Be sure to do diligent research to find all possible opportunities. Feel free to download this scholarship resource list to help in your search. Please note this is not and all inclusive list and you should continue to research additional scholarship opportunities as well.
Support Post-Abroad Success
-
Once a student has gone abroad, the first significant goal of our pipeline has been reached. This opens the door to the final part of our pipeline- utilizing international experiences for maximum personal, academic, and career growth.
The first of our Post Abroad programs offered is our newly developed Beyond Borders: Next Steps Program. This program was designed to create a space for students who recently returned from studying abroad to connect, reflect on their experiences, and talk about their next steps; whether that be continuing education, starting a career, additional travels, or wherever life takes them.
Through facilitated dialogues, students reflect on their time abroad, their return to the US, and the changes that occurred within them. Learn how to apply these newfound skills and experiences towards the next stage of life, whatever that may be, and learn about future opportunities to inspire others to travel abroad, including by volunteering with World at Hand and in their communities.
In week three, students participate in a career day in which resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters are updated, interview questions are rehearsed, and a personal elevator pitch is developed.
This program is available to students who recently returned to the US after Study Abroad and/or extended international travel experiences. If you are interested in learning more about Next Steps please fill out our Program Interest Registration form above.
