Expanding Global Access & Overcoming Barriers!
Dear Friends of World at Hand,
I hope 2025 has been treating you well! I’m excited to share that World at Hand has fully finalized our rebrand from late 2024, strengthening our signature programming to ensure more students can access life-changing international education opportunities.
With updates to all aspects of our programming to improve their quality and increase both overall and long-term impact, we are taking bold steps to break down barriers and create the most effective pathway for students to experience the world.
Introducing the Global Scholars Pathway (GSP)
Our five-step model has been fully rebranded and refined to better support students at every stage of their international journey:
Introduce the Topic – Free school and community Info Sessions to spark curiosity about global experiences and spread awareness within the community.
Build Knowledge – Bridge the World Academy offers free online courses, including the recently updated and refreshed Study Abroad 101 and International Travel 101.
Reinforce Learning & Remove Barriers – The Global Access Passport (GAP) Program, providing essential travel knowledge and covering passport costs for students in need.
Create Access Through Scholarships – Study abroad scholarships that make international experiences financially possible for low-income Denver Metro Area high school graduates—Summer 2025 Application Open Now! Due April 8th, Please Share!
Support Post-Abroad Success – Beyond Borders: Next Steps, our newest initiative, helping students translate their global experiences into career and academic opportunities—piloting in Summer/Fall 2025!
With this enhanced and expanded framework, we’re making it easier than ever for students to take their first step, and their next, toward a global future.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
At a time when developing a global worldview is being set aside for nationalism, our work at World at Hand is more critical than ever.
Longstanding, world-renowned international education programs and key funding sources have been drastically reduced. Federal programs and top scholarships that have supported students for years are facing deep cuts, making it harder than ever for both incoming international students and U.S. students seeking to study abroad. With the funding challenges and uncertainty for DACA students and their families, we are faced with difficult choices and made the difficult decision to pause the launch of our Dreamers Abroad Program. While we remain committed to supporting all students' global aspirations, no matter their background, we are focusing our current efforts on:
Beyond Borders: Next Steps – Piloting this summer & fall to ensure students turn their international experiences into long-term academic and career success.
Rural Expansion Initiative – Beginning with the Western Slope, we are taking steps to bring our programming to underserved rural communities in Colorado.
Key Milestones & Updates
✅ Global Access Passport (GAP) Program – March 22 – In collaboration with our longest-standing partner, Uplift, we are hosting a joint GAP program for another cohort of 10-15 students.With this event, our total passports provided will increase by 50%!
✅ New Partnerships – Early talks with Semester at Sea and CU Denver are underway to expand student opportunities, and our scholarships are now listed on their websites!
✅Campus Outreach Success – Three events at Auraria Campus in Downtown Denver in collaboration with Denver Scholarship Foundation, spreading awareness of the revamped GSP to local college students.
✅FirstBank Joins as a Business Donor – Recently hiring World at Hand Alumni and providing financial support, this local Colorado bank has shown a commitment to global access and opportunity for all.
✅New Board Member Welcomed – We’re excited to welcome Reina to our board! Reina has already had an incredible impact—including designing our World at Hand logo. Check out her story on our website!
Looking Ahead: NAFSA Conference & Beyond
I’m also preparing to speak at the 2025 NAFSA Conference in San Diego on the future of disability inclusion in international education.
At my last NAFSA Conference, I made key connections that advanced our work. This year, I look forward to expanding our reach, strengthening partnerships, and connecting with funders to continue making international education accessible.
How You Can Help
With major funding cuts and more students in need, your support is critical to keeping these programs accessible. Right now, we are investing heavily in the March 22 GAP Program, ensuring that students receive their first passport and take their first step toward a global future.
Beyond funding passports, we are also looking to invest in a Passport Photo Printer—the same type used by FedEx/UPS. With this machine, we can provide passport photos to students on-site, allowing them to leave the program with a completed application ready for submission.
This investment will not only increase the success rate and quality of the GAP Program but also create an alternative income source for World at Hand through use at community events, study abroad fairs, info sessions, and more!
We Need to raise $6,000 to Make This Happen
✔️ $2000 - Purchase of the Passport photo printer and materials
✔️$3000 -Replenish funds for our next GAP cohort and Beyond Borders Pilots.
✔️$1000 Attending the NAFSA Conference (May 27-30) to advocate for global education access, develop new partners, and seek additional funding
Here’s how you can make a difference:
✅ Donate Today – Help cover the cost of student passports and program expenses. Every contribution, big or small, makes a direct impact!
✅ Sponsor a Program – Connect us with businesses or community partners who believe in investing in global education and professional development.
✅ Spread the Word – Share our mission with your network to help us reach more students.
Together, We Can Keep Global Education Accessible
With your help, we can turn these challenges into opportunities and ensure that every student—regardless of background—has the chance to see the world.
Thank you for believing in our mission and for making global access a reality for so many. Feel free to reach out via email with any questions or follow ups.
With gratitude,
Shawn Wall
Founder& Executive Director
World at Hand