Educational travel experiences
Growth Circles benefits low-income middle and high school students from Marin City, CA, many of whom have never been on an airplane or even traveled beyond California, and most of whom live in subsidized housing and below the poverty line.
Our program funds travel experiences to inspire students to think bigger and achieve more. We're giving students a world outlook through experiences that encourage them to move out of their comfort zones into expanding "growth circles" and reduce the size of their panic zones. Thank you for supporting our efforts!
Class trips to the Washington, D.C. area to enhance students' understanding of U.S. history with visits to the Capitol, the White House, Smithsonian museums including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, memorials, and college visits to Howard University and Georgetown University
Class trips to New York City to introduce students to possible career paths from Wall Street to Broadway, including visits to college campuses, as well as museums and historical sites
Trips that connect youth with community mentors, strengthen self-esteem, explore college and career opportunities and deepen understanding of African American history
Scholarships to academic summer programs on college campuses for graduating 8th graders during the summer before they enter high school to gain academic enrichment and develop study skills and self-confidence
Team building retreats and trips requested by teachers: in past years, we've funded trips led by teachers taking students in grades 6-8 to experience ziplines and challenge courses at Alliance Redwoods camp in Occidental, CA, and a 5th grade trip to the Mosaic Project's Outdoor School in Napa, CA