GAP Program Doubles Impact – Help Us Keep the Momentum Going
Dear Friends of World at Hand,
We’re thrilled to share some exciting momentum from our Global Access Passport (GAP) Program—and the growing need to meet this moment with support and innovation.
Program Highlights:
This past March, 20 students completed the GAP Program — double the number we expected! That’s an 80% increase in total program impact since2022, and a clear sign that the desire for global experiences among underrepresented students is growing fast.
We’ve partnered with local schools and community groups and are on track to provide a total of 45 passports for low income and underrepresented Denver Metro students.
Through GAP, these students leave with:
The ability to travel for the next 10 years
Knowledge of travel planning and budgeting
Cultural research skills and awareness
Study abroad scholarship and program awareness
Now,they’re ready to embrace the opportunities the world puts in their path. But with more students than expected, we’re facing a challenge: how to fund passports for everyone without turning anyone away.
Program Expansion Strategy:
To meet demand more efficiently and sustainably, we’re making two major improvements to the GAP Program: Shifting to a sliding scale payment model and Investing in a passport photo printer.
These additions will:
Ensure that all students, regardless of background, can access the program
Use profits from paying participants to fund passport scholarships for peers
Streamline student support by eliminating external photo appointments
Students will leave with ready-to-submit applications
Reduce overall long-term program costs
Create a revenue stream by offering low-cost passport photos to the community
Current Funding Needs:
To fully support our growing cohort, we need to raise:
$2,500 – GAP Program passport funding for 10 students in most recent cohort
$2,000 – Printer + materials to offer in-house passport photos
$1,500 – Beyond Borders: Next Steps pilot program for GAP alumni traveling to Mexico and Ireland this summer through partner organizations.
The post-abroad pilot will help students reflect, build on their growth, and reinvest their global insights in their communities. It's a key piece of our 5-step Global Scholars Pathway which can be implemented after impactful short term travel abroad or study abroad programs.
Thank You to Our Donors!
We’re deeply grateful to the following supporters putting us at over 40% of our goal:
Gertz-Pellicane Foundation – Contributed $2,000, funding 4 passports and covering half the cost of our new printer
FirstBank – Renewed as a business donor with a $500 gift, covering 2 GAP Program Scholarships
These contributions directly empower students to take their first steps toward global opportunities.
How You Can Help:
We invite YOU to support this growing movement!
Donate – Every $250 = 1 GAP Program Scholarship
Sponsor – Invite your workplace or small business to become a community donor
Volunteer – Help with outreach, events, or mentoring students
Spread the word – Know a local business that aligns with our mission? Connect us!
Email me at shawn.wall@worldathand.org or visit our website to get involved.
Thank you for believing in the power of global opportunity and the work of World at Hand.
All the best,
Shawn Wall
Founder& Executive Director
World at Hand