Global competency creates opportunities –
but its absence holds students – and our global community – back.
"Simple exchanges can break down walls between us, for when people come together… their common humanity is revealed."
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
OUR MODEL
All youth need a global network to help them activate their own global journeys through work and life. All schools need to prepare students for a world where global collaboration and cooperation is the norm. Combating the ignorance that breeds fear and intolerance begins with young people.
Reach the World transforms the energy of travelers into a learning resource for K-12 classrooms. Our programs use the web, messaging and video conferencing to connect youth with travelers in one-on-one global, virtual exchanges. Our nationwide network of educators, travelers and volunteers are building a more thoughtful and welcoming society by sharing the eye-opening benefits of travel with the youth of today, who will be the decision-makers of tomorrow.
OUR
IMPACT
Reach the World is inspiring youth to become curious, confident global citizens.
Each year, Reach the World connects hundreds of travelers with hundreds of classrooms in one-on-one global digital exchanges. Since 2009, Reach the World has served more than 21,000 youth, 1,200 travelers, and 700 volunteers. Together, our community has created more than 20,000 primary-source travel stories, chronicling daily life around the globe.
OUR ANNUAL JOURNEY
250
CLASSROOMS TO BE SERVED
250
TRAVELERS TO ENLIST, TRAIN AND DEPLOY
300
VOLUNTEER MENTORS TO ENGAGE
18K
TRAVEL STORIES TO BE SHARED ONLINE
6
STAFF ON THE TEAM
Reach the World’s youth show advancements in self-efficacy, geographic literacy, interest in learning a foreign language, ability to connect schoolwork to future career pathways and empathy for foreign countries and cultures.
FOR
YOUTH
93%
of our middle school students express interest in attending college one day, like their traveler
81%
of students express interest in studying or working abroad one day, like their traveler
75%
of our elementary school students achieve statistically significant improvement in core geographic literacy
29%
increase in value placed on learning a new language by our elementary school students
FOR
TRAVELERS
Reach the World’s travelers reflect deeply, continuously and purposefully during their journeys; engage in meaningful service; develop project management, networking and composition skills; and connect their journeys to future career pathways.
78%
reported that their RTW participation helped
them connect with and learn from the local community in their abroad location
89%
reported that their RTW participation complemented their college major and supported their career aspirations
85%
reported that their RTW participation helped
them build specific career skills
95%
reported that their RTW participation helped
them reflect upon and process their abroad experience
86%
reported that they meaningfully contributed
to their matched classroom through their RTW participation
Reach the World’s volunteers leverage professional skills and develop new ones; have positive personal experiences; and support their travelers as editors, hosts and mentors.
FOR
VOLUNTEERS
84%
reported that they positively contributed to their travelers’ journeys
66%
reported that they made a positive difference in their travelers’ lives
48%
reported that they developed new professional skills
87%