SOJOURN is a new collaboration of mutual aid and Black scholarship. Currently, only 6% of students studying abroad are Black / African American. $1,000 mini scholarships will be raised and distributed on behalf of the community to go towards a study-abroad program of the student's choice.

The lifelong benefits of studying abroad allow us to return with new knowledge, restored hope, and experienced towards action of a better world. Knowing financial resources are the #1 barrier for international travel, SOJOURN Scholarships are an investment from the community into ourselves.

As an extension of mutual aid practice, everyone (yes, you) are encouraged to donate what you can towards the Sojourn Scholars Community Fund. Once we (yes, we) raise $1,000 it will be given to a Black Scholar for them to use as they travel abroad.

Sojourn honors the past and runs towards the future. We deserve to see the world too!

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Hi, I’m Nia Queen– a community organizer, writer, and educator from Louisville, Kentucky.

As a recent graduate from Western Kentucky University, I have firsthand experience studying abroad (and finding ways to pay for it.) Sailing on Semester at Sea (Spring 2023) and participating in World Learning's Youth Leadership Institute in South Africa & Mozambique (Summer 2019) impacted not only how I see the world, but reinforced the value of returning home and transforming my own community.

Transparently, I had two completely different experiences. World Learning’s Leadership Institute is a fully funded merit-based program that completely covered our travel and program costs for six weeks in South Africa & Mozambique. There are no words for how fortunate and grateful I am to that program. I know just how much financial support can change a life because this opportunity changed mine.

Consequently, Semester at Sea is the most expensive study abroad program that exists. Just over $30,000 to be exact and no, I was not nearly as lucky this time. In fact, I maxed my very first credit card paying the $1,000 program deposit. We were supposed to set sail in January but by November I was crossing my fingers, praying to somehow drag myself to Dubai and meet the ship. I picked up a job working 3rd shift at White Castle just weeks before the voyage to help pay for it. Delusion, or maybe intuition got me around the world and back. I can only say it was a success because I’m writing this now.

18 countries and 4 continents later, SOJOURN is an act of gratitude to myself for the countless months and many tears spent working to fund my journey around the world. This is my commitment to making it easier for people like me. There are many more robust scholarship options in terms of studying abroad, but none like this. None completely community-ran and sustained for the benefit of the collective.

If I could offer more to alleviate the financial burden of international travel, I would. But I know where I can start.

Please join me if you can

Sojourn Mini Scholarship Community Fund

1st mini scholarship raised by 100% community donations going towards a Black/African American student as they travel internationally

Team Members