Farther Foundation Annual Report - 2021
Dejah traveled to Spain as a Farther Foundation scholar in 2014. She subsequently graduated from Cornell University and now works at the Sunrise Movement as a lead organizer for the Midwest.
President’s Message
It has been a long, Covid-filled two years for Farther Foundation, and we are extraordinarily proud of our students and their perseverance. Though we were thrilled about the ways we adapted our 2021 program to serve students during the pandemic, we are excited to get back to our normal, and highly impactful, scholarship program in 2022. Therefore, we will spend as much time looking forward as reflecting back in our 2021 Annual Report!
David Weindling
Farther Foundation - Founder and Board President
Mission & Vision
Farther Foundation inspires greater aspiration and achievement from students in communities beset by chronic disinvestment and systemic inequities. We provide opportunities for students to participate in life-changing educational travel experiences across the country and around the world. Our students immerse themselves in new cultures, learn and develop skills, provide community service, cultivate leadership, and attain personal growth.
2021 Program Highlights
104 Program Alumni that were enrolled in school in 2021 were awarded special Covid scholarships to help them weather the financial challenges of persisting in their education through the pandemic disruptions.
6 Partner Organizations received grants to enhance their summer learning programs for high school students with emphases on expanding experiential and cultural experiences, college exploration, and college counseling and preparedness.
College Scholarships: 30 students from our 2020 cohort had their travel programs canceled due to Covid. In 2021, Cari traveled to Costa Rica and five students were awarded $3,000 college scholarships. 24 more students from our 2020 cohort will be eligible for scholarships when they enter college in 2022/23.
“Coming back home, I feel more sure of myself. I’m confident in my skin. Others have noticed too, and I don’t regret it.”
-- Cari
What’s ahead for 2022
With the worst of Covid behind us, we asked Farther Foundation alumni what they are excited about now.
“I'm definitely looking forward to increased campus activities and an in-person commencement!”
Enrique: Farther Foundation 2016 – Princeton summer college program
USC 2022
“I’m looking forward to traveling again! I plan to be in France or Spain this summer teaching English!”
Angelica: Farther Foundation 2019 – Guadeloupe culture and service program
Marquette University
“I'm looking forward to in-person classes, so that I can better interact in lectures. I am also looking forward to participating in college extracurricular activities on campus.”
Bennie: Farther Foundation 2019 – Finland cultural immersion program
Southern University and A&M College
“Looking forward to a study abroad seminar in the summer! I’m going to Italy!”
Yesenia: Farther Foundation 2015 – Maine ecological science program
Stanford University 2022
Farther Foundation Board of Directors
After a difficult two years, educational travel program providers are gearing up to offer a broader array of experiences this summer. We spoke with Chicago-based program provider The Road Less Traveled.
RLT offers programs domestically and abroad that are packed with adventure and learning opportunities. We spoke about facing Covid challenges and how diversity, equity and inclusion are central to their mission.
Covid: Student safety is of primary concern. Some changes have had to be made to keep the student group more isolated while adhering to RLT’s own Covid protocols and the rules of the host destination. However, more destinations are opening and opportunities to be immersed in host communities are expanding.
Equity: RLT considers itself a child development organization not just a trip provider. It conducts outreach to underserved communities and offers scholarships to achieve diversity in its student groups. It is expanding programs that explore social justice and is incorporating anti-racism into its group dynamics.
Our Impact
Research shows that college graduates are healthier, have greater income and wealth, participate more in civic society, and are happier than their counterparts. Farther Foundation educational travel experiences inspire high school students to elevate their college aspirations while preparing them for success.
The data below clearly show the gains in education attainment achieved by Farther Foundation students compared to their peers. While Covid is affecting college enrolments rates nationwide, 98% of all Farther Foundation participants have enrolled in college, and 92% of those have graduated or remain on-track to graduate.
financial Report - 2021
supporters
Farther Foundation is very grateful to acknowledge the support of the generous donors who believe in our mission and the potential of the students we serve. We are especially thankful for the donors that honor us with their support year after year.
Donate
We hope you are inspired by our students, by our work, and by our impact. Be a part of our mission and the success of our students by making a donation now.
Thank you from the Board of Directors of Farther Foundation!
David Weindling
Susan J. White
Laura Swartzbaugh
Melissa Coughlin
Nicky Fish
Ed Cruickshank
Yesenia Ulloa
Matt Crossett