Global Education Programs in Newton Public Schools Change Lives

“Life-changing.” “Best experience of my life.” “Amazing opportunity.” These are just some of the phrases used to describe trips abroad funded by the Jennifer Price Global Education fund (GELF.) A scholarship program that literally changes the lives of students, GELF gives students the chance to experience the world beyond Newton – an experience that stays with them far beyond their high school days. Your opportunity to support this wonderful scholarship program is coming up on Saturday, May 4th at the annual benefit dinner: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2289

Launched in 2008, GELF scholarships make global education a reality for any student, regardless of financial means. Named in honor of former Newton North principal, Jennifer Price, GELF seeks to ensure equal access to global education opportunities for all NPS students. Since 2008, the fund has raised more than $300,000 dollars to enable more than 200 students to participate in trips to Mexico, Russia, Italy, India, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Cuba, Galapagos, Tanzania, Nicaragua, Peru, Spain, France, Panama, Puerto Rico, Australia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and China.

Ashley Rodriguez is one such student. She shared that the impact of her trip to Mexico was “everlasting.” “As a result of being abroad in Mexico, I have become more independent, confident, and willing to jump outside of my comfort zone. The trip allowed me to broaden my horizons to new experiences that I will keep with me forever and inspire new experiences in the future.”

In the 2018-19 school year, GELF has provided more than $60,000 to 30 students to enable them to travel abroad. Given the ever-expanding number of global education opportunities within the Newton Public Schools, this record-breaking year for scholarships is more necessary than ever.

To support students, GELF will once again host its annual benefit dinner at Newton North High School on Saturday, May 4th. The evening consist of a five-course gourmet tasting menu beer and fine wines pairings, live music and dancing, and auction and raffle. And, for even more fun, the entire evening is served up by Newton administrators! You can buy your tickets here for this amazing event in support of a great cause here: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2289

Hano Garcia, another GELF scholarship recipient, said of his time in Paris, “It gave a chance to do something I always wanted to do. It was a life-changing experience to live like a Parisian for a month. It got me out of my bubble and allowed me to see that there are other cultures with difference ways of doing things.”

If you would like to attend the benefit dinner or simply make a donation to the scholarship fund, please visit this page: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/Page/2289. Your contribution gives a Newton student the opportunity of a lifetime.