Building confidence and finding opportunities through international travel!

Howdy, folks! We've got some big news-our 2026 crew has been chosen! Six new participants are about to set off on an incredible adventure with Jen and Evan. The chaperones are buzzing with excitement to meet the new students and guide them through this life-changing journey! Next up? Passports and plane tickets! (🎶 these are a few of our favorite things 🎶)

Thank you to everyone who has been instrumental in spreading the word about our program. Your support has been crucial as we continue to expand throughout Central Iowa. Remember, you could be the one who changes a student's life.

One of our supporters nominated Travel Sparq for the Community Giving Award at the Ames Barilla plant, and we were selected! The funding from this award helps us provide more opportunities to high schoolers in Iowa to experience the transformative power of travel!

We want to extend a HUGE thank you to Barilla of Ames for their generous support of our community! As our motto is locally grown, globally flown, Barilla is part of the "local" support that helps our students go "global".

Are you looking to get involved in your community in 2026? Travel Sparq is seeking volunteers to help bring more travel opportunities to students in Central Iowa! As a 100% volunteer-run organization, every contribution makes a significant impact. We need help in the following areas:

- Fundraising Phenom: Assist with existing fundraisers or create new ones; our volunteers raised over $13,000 from July to December 2025!

- Social Media Guru: Help enhance our social media presence to reach more students and families.

- Board Member: Join us in shaping the direction of Travel Sparq and our mission.

- Outreach: Spread the word about our programs and connect with potential participants.

- Education: Help enhance our program focused on student learning and cultural exploration.

- Chaperone: While our 2026 roster is filled, we seek additional chaperones for backup. An interview and background check are required.

If you have other skills or ideas, we’d love to hear from you! Interested in volunteering? Please email info@travelsparq.org or visit our website: https://www.travelsparq.org/faqs-extrainfo to get in touch. Thank you!

On July 5th, Travel Sparq's inaugural group embarked on an unforgettable journey to Costa Rica! To say these two weeks were adventurous would barely scratch the surface. Designed to push comfort zones and reshape our perspectives, this trip opened doors to both personal and global insights. This video showcases the incredible sights, sounds, and lessons that ignited a passion for change and continuous exploration! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors and supporters for making this transformative experience a reality for our students. Click the links if you want to make a difference and learn about how to support future trips, eligibility criteria, student achievements, and more.

2024 Annual Report! Click the button to get a synopsis of the 2024 Fiscal Year and what goals we are pursuing in 2025 and beyond!