Small But Mighty! 2024 Year End Giving

At World at Hand, we believe in the power of international experiences to transform lives, open minds, and create future leaders. We also know that the journey to accessing these opportunities isn’t equal for everyone—particularly for low-income and underrepresented students.   That’s why we launched the International Education Equitable Access Pipeline (IEEAP) and why we’re asking for your support through our #SmallButMighty Year-End Campaign.

The Origin of ‘Small But Mighty’

Our team may be small, but we’ve made a big impact. Since 2022, we’ve awarded 25 passports, introduced hundreds of students to global opportunities through information sessions, and provided two life-changing study abroad scholarships. This campaign reflects who we are: a passionate, grassroots organization that punches above its weight. We may not have the size or resources of larger nonprofits, but we’re making a significant difference, thanks to supporters like you.

Why We Need Your Help Now

This year, we’ve been recognized with the prestigious Institute of International Education (IIE) Empower Award, a testament to our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) in international education. The award confirms the success of our programs and opens new doors for visibility, funding, and partnerships. However, to capitalize on this momentum and expand our reach in 2025, we need your support.

With your help, we aim to raise $7,000 to fund our program initiatives and invest in the future growth of World at Hand. The funds will directly support:

• The Global Access Passport (GAP) Program: Our core program that helps students obtain their first passport, breaking down one of the biggest barriers to international travel. GAP participants gain essential skills in budgeting, trip planning, and cultural awareness. With a 100% recommendation rate and 85% success rate of students using their passports within a year, the GAP Program is truly life-changing. We aim to award 50 passports in 2025, tripling our current numbers.

• Dreamers Abroad Pilot Program: A new initiative designed for undocumented students ("Dreamers"). This program will help participants safely travel abroad through the Advanced Parole process, allowing them to study, work, or connect with family outside the U.S. By piloting this program with 2 students, we aim to demonstrate that international opportunities should be accessible to all, regardless of legal status.

• What’s Next? Pilot Program: After their international experience, students often wonder, “What’s next?” This program helps them reflect on their travels, identify the skills they’ve gained, and apply those skills to their academic, professional, and personal lives. We will pilot this program with 5 students, supporting them in crafting resumes, practicing interview skills, and planning their next steps.

• Statewide Informational Sessions: Knowledge is the first step toward action. We’ll host 8 sessions, reaching 240 students across Colorado, including expansion into rural communities where access to international education is limited. These sessions introduce students and families to the benefits of studying abroad and guide them on how to get started.

• Building Our Endowment Fund: We are allocating $1,000 from the campaign towards our endowment savings. This strategic investment will strengthen our financial foundation, ensuring the longevity of our study abroad scholarships and helping us plan for sustainable, long-term growth.

Why Your Support Matters

For many of our students, these programs offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having a passport can be the key that unlocks the door to the world—a critical step towards exploring new cultures, gaining new perspectives, and realizing personal and professional potential. Yet, in the U.S., only 21% of adults from households earning less than $50,000 have a passport, compared to 64% of adults in households earning over $100,000. This gap represents a significant barrier to international experiences, one that we are determined to close.

Your gift, whether it’s a one-time year-end donation or a monthly contribution, goes directly toward funding our programs:

• $5/month funds an informational session, reaching an average of 30 students.
• $20/month provides a passport for a student through the GAP Program.

The #SmallButMighty Campaign isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about demonstrating the power of community. It’s about proving that when we come together, even small actions can lead to big, lasting change. Our team, our volunteers, and our supporters may be small in number, but we are mighty in spirit. With your help, we can continue breaking down barriers and creating a pathway for every student to experience the world.

Will you join us in making a difference?

Let’s show that a small but mighty team can achieve extraordinary things. Together, we can make the world more accessible, one student at a time.