About Us
Our mission
To cultivate global citizen leaders through education, travel and service, increasing mutual respect for people, pleaces, and the planet.
Our Vision
To create a global community in which the world’s challenges and opportunities are met by educated, compassionate leaders and thinkers.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Global Citizens Adventure Corps (GCAC) provides college credit and scholarships for immersive service-learning travel experiences. We serve high school and university students, especially those from underserved, rural communities, equipping them to address global issues with empathy and insight.
Our programs empower students to bring a global perspective back to their home communities, multiplying impact and fostering lasting change for people, places, and planet.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
GCAC is built on a foundation of diversity and inclusion. By bringing together travelers of different races, religions, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds, our programs foster organic, meaningful conversations. Students gain long-term mentorship, while host communities gain authentic connection with the next generation of changemakers.
WHO WE SERVE
While GCAC is open to all, we prioritize students from rural and economically disadvantaged areas in the Mid-South and Ohio Valley. These communities face limited access to global experiences and cultural diversity, contributing to entrenched social and economic challenges.
We aim to break down those barriers. Nearly 20% of U.S. public school students attend rural schools—often Title I, often first-generation college-goers. GCAC creates pathways to global learning that otherwise wouldn’t exist.
Why it matters
Today’s students must navigate a complex, interconnected world. But too many lack access to the opportunities that build cultural competence, leadership skills, and global awareness.
Our solution? Experiential learning that blends academic rigor with real-world service and cross-cultural connection.
According to the SYTA Student Travel Digest:
• 74% of educators say travel positively impacts personal development.
• Employers report that graduates often lack essential soft skills—like communication and critical thinking.
GCAC helps fill those gaps.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
COLLEGE CREDIT
High school juniors/seniors and university students can earn 3 hours of transferable college credit through Bethel University. Audit options available.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Need-based scholarships are available for eligible high school and college students.
GLOBAL SERVICE
All volunteer projects are community-identified and align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
PARTNER WITH US
Universities, schools, nonprofits, and supporters can join our mission.