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Board approves five international student trips for 2025–26; staff described fundraising and equity plans
Summary
The board approved five international school trips for 2025–26 (Namibia, Japan, Germany, France and China/Shanghai). Staff described fundraising strategies and said grants and fundraising would be used to support students who cannot afford travel.
Evanston Township High School District 202 on March 10 approved five international student trips for the 2025–26 school year: Namibia (Africa); Japan; Germany; France; and China (Shanghai). The board approved the travel by roll call vote after district staff described planned fundraising and supports to increase equitable participation.
Why it matters: International travel programs provide experiential learning opportunities but require district oversight, fundraising and equity planning to ensure students who cannot pay are not excluded.
What staff reported: Dr. Kiwanah Brown presented the travel request and described fundraising approaches intended to reduce barriers to participation. On the record Dr. Brown said she was "here to propose international travel for 07/01/2025 to 06/30/2026 for approval." She listed five proposed trips and described fundraising activities including donations, T‑shirt sales, restaurant fundraisers that give a percentage of sales, cultural performances, and grant applications intended to support students who could not afford the full cost.
Board comment and approval: Several board members praised the program’s emphasis on equitable access and expressed excitement about opportunities such as travel to Africa. The vote to approve the travel package was moved, seconded and passed by roll call.
Additional note: Dr. Brown told the board she may present a possible additional China trip through a travel club in April if partners in China provide required information.
Follow-up: Staff will proceed with planning under the approved framework and the district will use fundraising and grant support as described to reduce financial barriers for participating students.
