World at Hand

Description

Founded in 2020, World at Hand is a Denver-based nonprofit breaking down barriers to international education for underserved students. Our mission is to ensure all students-regardless of background-can access transformative global experiences that support academic, personal, and professional growth.

We achieve this through our five-part Global Scholars Pathway: (1) free informational sessions for students, families, and educators; (2) the Online Travel Academy offering intro courses on study abroad and travel; (3) the Global Access Passport (GAP) Program providing passports and travel education; (4) study abroad scholarships for low-income college students; and (5) Beyond Borders: What’s Next?-a post-travel reflection and growth program.

Impact and recognition: 2024 IIE Empower Award winner for DEIA in international education. 2025 GoAbroad Innovation Award finalist. Since 2022, we’ve awarded over 35 passports and 5 study abroad scholarships. 85% of GAP participants travel within a year. Over 50% of students report a mindset shift from "I can’t" to "I can" study abroad.

Goals: Expand to rural communities, launch an Urban-Rural Exchange, increase scholarship and passport awards by 50%, and establish academic credit partnerships.