June 2025 NEWSLETTER
Dear Friends of World at Hand,
HAPPY JUNETEENTH! It’s now been 5 years since I began the work for this organization from the back of my van in Australia. The momentum this year has been incredible and we’re only halfway through! From a major increase in GAP program participation and scholarship applications, supporting student travels across four continents, and planned rural expansion, this summer marks a turning point for our mission and the students we serve.
Newsletter Highlights:
National Spotlight at NAFSA 2025
Summer Scholarship Recipients
Beyond Borders: Next Steps Launches with Two Summer Cohorts
3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Event: Block Party Edition
National Spotlight at NAFSA 2025
This was my second time attending the NAFSA Annual Conference. Now longer a newcomer, the week was full of growth, connection,and impact. I volunteered 20 hours to help cover costs, explored the expo hall,attended key sessions and receptions, and had the honor of speaking on the panel “The Future of Disability Inclusion.”
It was my first time presenting at NAFSA, and a powerful opportunity to share my personal journey, and the importance of making international education more accessible to all students,which is being done through World at Hand. I left with a renewed sense of purpose and valuable new partnerships that could help us expand our work even further.
We’re proud to introduce our Summer 2025 Study Abroad Scholarship recipients—three outstanding college students preparing to take their learning global:
Amber – A Finance major at CSU’s College of Business with aspirations of becoming a CFO for a multinational company. She will study abroad in Portugal.
Fernando – A University of Colorado Denver (UCD) Architecture student who balances school, work, and caring for his younger sister. He will study abroad in Japan.
Anna – A pre-Nursing student at UCD, traveling to Costa Rica and eager to bring back lessons that will serve her Native American community.
New and Final GSP Program Launches with Two Summer Cohorts
This summer marks a major milestone as we pilot two distinct Beyond Borders cohorts and close out the GSP with a focus on turning international experiences into future success.
College Cohort – Featuring four students from across Denver and Fort Collins. This model supports students returning from college-level global experiences with reflection, reintegration, and leadership-building.
Partner Cohort – A new collaboration with organizations who supported students on short-term programs to Mexico and Ireland. This flexible model will support younger travelers through group-based reflection and goal setting.
These dual pilots allow us to adapt Beyond Borders for diverse student journeys, ensuring lasting impact and development no matter the path taken.
Support the Movement at Our Summer Fundraiser
In just one month, we’ll be hosting the 3rd Annual Bridging the Gap Community Event and you’re Invited!
The Bridging the Gap Block Party is more than a celebration, it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year. Come show support through donations for a meal, participating in the auction or taking advantage of a $2,500 matching fund from event sponsors DEN International Airport and the Colorado Trust.
📅 Saturday, July 19,2025
📍2600 N Block of Cherry St in Park Hill, Denver CO 80207
🎉Live DJ, information sessions, free food, games/kids activities, and a silent auction
Our goal: $7,500 raised to fund:
7 Study Abroad Scholarships for Fall 2025 students
10 GAP Program scholarships to cover passport costs
Beyond Borders cohorts to guide students post-travel
🎁 Silent Auction Sneak Peek:
One-Night Luxury Stay at the Ritz-Carlton + $100 Elway’s Credit ($1,500 value)
Great Wolf Lodge Package – 1-night suite, water park access, and $200 gift card ($700 value)
Black Hawk Staycation – overnight stay and dinner($300 value)
Tickets to local events, Gift cards to local restaurants and more!
Come celebrate with us, support student dreams, and help us grow this movement!
Passport Access Made Easier
Thanks to your support, we’ve launched our in-house passport photo service! We now offer high-quality photos for just $10,with 100% of proceeds funding student programs.
This new service:
Helps fund GAP Program scholarships
Removes barriers by eliminating external photo appointments
Allows GAP students to leave with a submission-ready passport application
Thank You to Our Supporters
We’re deeply grateful to the individuals and organizations fueling this growth:
Colorado Trust – $1,500 Co-Sponsor for Bridging the Gap
Denver International Airport – Renewed as a $1,000 Co-Sponsor
Gertz-Pellicane Foundation – $2,000 in support of GAP and passport printing
FirstBank – $500 renewed business sponsorship
In-Kind Donors – Thank you to the dozens of local businesses supporting our silent auction and event logistics
How You Can Help
🌍 Donate – Support scholarships, passports, and post-travel programming
🏢Sponsor – Partner as a business or organization
🙋♀️Volunteer – Help with Bridging the Gap or student outreach
📣Spread the word – Know someone aligned with our mission? Send them our way!
Email me at shawn.wall@worldathand.org or visit our website via a button below to get involved.
Thank you for believing in the power of global learning and for being part of this growing movement. I couldn’t do this without you.
With gratitude,
Shawn Wall
Founder& Executive Director
World at Hand