Our Programs: Equal Access Pipeline

These informational sessions are held in school for various classes, clubs and student organizations. From the sessions students gain a general introduction to B2baBstudy 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@blessedscholars.org to set up a time and date.

The Blessed Scholars Online Travel Academy courses are designed to introduce and educate as many students as possible about their topics. Not everyone has the opportunity to learn about traveling from their parents. Through these FREE online programs, students can access critical knowledge about their relative subjects and their benefits which they may not be able to find otherwise.

The first course currently offered is Study Abroad 101 and this will soon be followed by Travel Abroad 101. Upon course completion, students should be able to have a conversation about international education, travel, and trip planning. With this knowledge, students can decide to travel on their own someday or begin to plan to study abroad in the years to come.

Future courses, podcasts, webinars, and resources will be added over time focusing on additional topics such as travel budgeting, planning, packing, sustainability, etc.

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 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).

A general scholarship for eligible Denver (DPS) or Aurora (APS) Public School graduates created to address the number one factor prohibiting low-income and underrepresented students from studying abroad- money.

B2baB 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 early May.

Requirements:

• Graduated from a Denver or Aurora Public High School

• Qualify for a Federal Pell Grant (EFC: 6206 or lower)

• Identify as an underrepresented student

• GPA: (cumulative) 2.5 or 3.0+ from previous semester

• Have been accepted/have applied to an in-person study abroad program.

Scholarship recipients will be required provide photos and written pieces to be used by B2baB 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 optional.

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.