The Kids n' Culture Giving Page

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I really can't thank you enough for the generous donation you have made to my classroom. In supporting this project, you have given students the opportunity to explore the world in a new and exciting way. The curriculum we have created that leads up to the tour asks students to question their views of the world, pushes their limits, and opens the door for new thought and exploration. Whether it was learning words in a new language, sampling foods they have never tried, or understanding the religious and cultural customs of a state so far away, it sometimes felt like another country - the students in inspired and in awe all year. In this way, we had begun the process of creating global citizens right up to the point that they were boarding the plane. Once abroad, watching the transformation within these students is absolutely inspiring. This is exactly what I was hoping to instill within my students; that constant curiosity that will drive them to success. I know my students have taken this experience and will use it as motivation for their future. I am already hearing plans of semesters abroad in college and majors in International Relations. I hope you understand the power of your gift and how truly thankful I am. I can't wait for these students to embark on this next tour, and come home a truly transformed group of young adults.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Jillian

I don't think I will have enough room to truly quantify the impact this experience had on my students. Even at the airport, as we are all waiting to take off, there was already a sense of awe. "I get to do this?" They were so thankful, each and every step of the way. The weeks leading up to the trip had students focused on the curriculum; they had a strong foundation for native culture and struggles, the oil industry and overall economic status of the state, and how the locals survive the bright summers and long dark winters. Once we landed, this education was put to good use. I have never seen a group of students with so many questions; they were eager to learn as much as they could, and they refused to waste a moment of the midnight sun.

Students had the chance to eat like and with native populations, understand the importance of sled dogs for the protection of land, how the state includes every resident (even those in the bush) with oil dividends, and how they are one of the few states that recognizes how manifest destiny destroyed a culture that was there long before. They are doing their part to protect it from disappearing all together. Beyond that, students were welcomed with open arms. They represented minority populations seldom seen in Alaska, and were openly nervous before arriving. The local reaction could not have been more different, and everywhere they went they were complimented on their questions, energy, and overall respect for the land and others around them. They all changed, and they changed for the better. I can't even begin to imagine how this experience will play into their academic and career futures. It has been etched permanently in all of our hearts and minds; I can only hope to continue working with programs like this that make it possible for students to have these life-changing experiences.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Jones

The impact you had on these students was no less than life-changing. Honestly, no other words encompass the growth each of these children experienced as a result of this program. Their confidence level has skyrocketed, and for the first time these students look at the world with optimism and are hungry to learn. They want to learn everything! This program closes the opportunity gap that exists for so many children. They had the space to have tough conversations, and to question the status quo that creeps all around them. They built lasting relationships across cultural lines. They became a family. And for many, they got to go on a plane for the first time and see the world that has long been isolated to picture books for them.

Once abroad, these students took every opportunity to learn; both from the hands on, academic programming and from each other. Each night they took the time to reflect in writing, forever keeping this experience preserved. Together, these students pushed each other out of comfort zones - they learned a new language, tried countless new foods, volunteered at an orphanage, bathed elephants, bargained in a local market, and played with the children in the mountain villages. They smiled every day. This gift has created a new path for every student who took part in this program. So thank you. Thank you for believing in this experience, and for realizing that transformative change is still possible.

Don't stop believing.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Tejedor

The impact you had on these students was no less than life-changing. Honestly, no other words encompass the growth each of these children experienced as a result of this program. Their confidence level has skyrocketed, and for the first time these students look at the world with optimism and are hungry to learn. They want to learn everything! This program closes the opportunity gap that exists for so many children. They had the space to have tough conversations, and to question the status quo that creeps all around them. They built lasting relationships across cultural lines. They became a family. And for many, they got to go on a plane for the first time and see the world that has long been isolated to picture books for them.

Once abroad, these students took every opportunity to learn; both from the hands on, academic programming and from each other. Each night they took the time to reflect in writing, forever keeping this experience preserved. Together, these students pushed each other out of comfort zones - they learned a new language, tried countless new foods, volunteered at an orphanage, bathed elephants, bargained in a local market, and played with the children in the mountain villages. They smiled every day. This gift has created a new path for every student who took part in this program. So thank you. Thank you for believing in this experience, and for realizing that transformative change is still possible.

Don't stop believing.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Tejedor

I really can't thank you enough for the generous donation you have made to my classroom. In supporting this program, you have given students the opportunity to explore the world in a new and exciting way. The curriculum we have created that leads up to our trip asks students to question their views of the world, pushes their limits, and opens the door for new thought and exploration. In this way, we had begun the process of creating global citizens right up to the point that they were boarding the plane.

This particular trip also allowed me to connect the intensive science standards to the real world, and not just the world we see every day. Water purity and conservation are huge issues facing these communities, and my students have a new found appreciation for conservation, service, and above all humanity. In times like today, tolerance is the best gift that I can bestow upon my students. They began to question the world around them, and question how they can start making a difference in the disparity they witness. This is exactly what I was hoping to instill within my students; that constant curiosity that will drive them to success. I know my students have taken this experience and will use it as motivation for their future. I am already hearing plans of semesters abroad in college and majors in International Relations. I hope you understand the power of your gift and how truly thankful I am.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Reid

Dear Donors,

The trip was phenomenal. Students got to see the many biomes that Costa Rica hosts. On the eastern or Caribbean coast, students stayed in Tortuguero where the hotel was only accessible by boat and was in the middle of the rainforest. There they awoke to the sounds of howler monkeys, that were not in the distance. From there they traveled to La Fortuna and witnessed a magnificent waterfall. From there they traveled to the Arenal region, where they got to see the Arenal volcano and swam in the hot springs warmed from its geothermal energy. We ended our trip on the Pacific coast which is a tropical dry forest. Not only is the precipitation different, the animals are also different. Here the students saw iguanas and experienced life on the reef.

Because of your support, students were given the opportunity to witness the biodiversity and experience the culture of Costa Rica, but the biggest take away was how they have grown as people. Students made new friends, they overcame fears, and they matured.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Woodland