F O R T Y: First-Time Passports!

A Room Full of Tears: How Three Students Showed the Impact of Your Support

Eight months after returning from their transformational journey to Costa Rica, three of our students—Kimora, Evan, and Jayden—stood before the School Board to share how this 18-month experience changed their lives. Their words moved an entire room of district officials, educators, and board members to tears. We want to share their story with you, because you helped make moments like this possible. When Kimora stepped to the microphone, she shared something deeply personal: participating in Show Me The World Project helped her show the world who she truly is—her heart, her kindness, and her leadership. She talked about gaining a family, with teachers she could rely on and friends she could count on every day. She also shared that the structure, support, and high expectations of the program helped keep her GPA strong. Because of this momentum, Kimora is now in an Early College program, where she will graduate high school with two full years of college credits already completed. Your support helped unlock that pathway. Evan talked about how students often work hard in school without ever seeing the full impact of their efforts. But through Show Me The World Project—traveling to Costa Rica, studying biodiversity, practicing leadership, and building entrepreneurial skills—he could finally see the return on his hard work. “This experience allowed me to grow real skills—leadership, confidence, communication, and global awareness—skills I can use throughout my life.” This clarity, this confidence, and this spark were made possible because of supporters like you. Jayden shared how the promise and preparation of the trip motivated the entire cohort: they raised their grades, strengthened communication skills, and built a deep sense of belonging—a family bond. He said, “Every component showed us our true selves, and showed the world who we truly are. I gained the confidence to use my voice. This brought a new level of belief in myself.” When he finished speaking, dozens of adults in the room were wiping tears. These are the moments your generosity creates. With your support, this year we are doubling the number of students we serve, expanding to our first city outside of St. Louis, and launching a new 30-student cohort in Kansas City Public Schools. Lastly, we hosted a "Pass the Compass" Event where our students from last year presented about their trip and passed the compass to the new group of students with a motivational quote attached to it! Your contribution doesn’t just fund travel. It builds confidence, strengthens academic achievement, and creates global leaders. Your support continues to open doors for students who deserve to see the world—and see themselves differently within it. We cannot wait to share more stories with you as our students grow, lead, and inspire. Thank you for believing in them. Thank you for believing in this mission. And thank you for making this impact possible.

Links:

• My Lou: Show Me The World Project Feature by Rene Knott

From First-Time Flyers to Global Mentors: A Journey to Belize

This spring, a remarkable group of students who attend St. Louis Public Schools boarded an airplane for the very first time—nervous, wide-eyed, and full of anticipation. As the wheels lifted off the ground, so did their belief in what was possible. For 100% of the students, this was their first time leaving the country. By the end of the journey, they had not only explored new ecosystems and cultures, but also formed unbreakable bonds with one another.

Belize marked the fifth country visited through the Show Me The World Project, and it delivered an unforgettable experience. Students hiked through the jungle, paddled canoes along the Macal River, and snorkeled in the Caribbean Sea. They explored ancient Mayan history at the Xunantunich ruins, shaped pottery and cooked traditional dishes in a Maya village, and learned about local exports while visiting a hot sauce factory, a chocolate company, and a working farm. A powerful highlight was connecting with the Garifuna people through museum visits and drumming lessons that immersed students in Indigenous culture and history.

For one student leader, who plays on his high school’s drumline, the Garifuna drumming experience was life-changing. He shared that learning the cultural roots and purpose behind the rhythms gave his music new meaning. “I used to drum because I loved it. Now I drum with purpose because I'm carrying on a tradition.”

As students stepped outside their comfort zones, they grew closer, supporting each other through moments of uncertainty and celebration alike. “I was scared to fly, but knowing my group was with me made it easier,” one student shared. “Now we’re like family.”

Today, those same students are mentoring the next cohort, three times the size, helping prepare them for their own transformative global experiences. Thank you for making this possible. Your support turned a once-distant dream into a life-changing reality!