2023 iFLY Scholars

Highlights from our 2023 cohort of iFLY Scholars trip to Costa Rica include volunteering at Kids Saving the Rainforest, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals such as sloths, primates, and parrots. They helped clean animal cages, prepared meals and medicine, and created interactive toys for the animals.

Our scholars went horseback riding and zip lined through the rainforest, learned how to make chocolate at a cacao plantation and swam at Espadilla Norte Beach.

Q: How have you changed since participating in Camp iFLY?
A: I have been a lot more outgoing. I am able to speak my mind better and stand for what I believe in. I feel like I have grown a lot and have become a more confident person.

Q: What did you gain from your experience in Camp iFLY and the trip?
A: I gained knowledge about the Costa Rican culture but also I got to learn more Spanish, which I believe has been helping me at school but is also a great skill to have. I also learned how to live with others and how to communicate your needs to others without being rude or afraid.

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to share?
A: I really cherish my time at Camp iFLY and appreciate what I learned.

Q: How have you changed since participating in Camp iFLY?
A: Ever since Camp iFLY, I have changed mentally. I say mentally because of the fact that I now acknowledge and surround myself with girls that are not bringing me down with negativity in any way. I now know how to communicate when something is bothering me as well.

Q: What did you gain from your experience in Camp iFLY and the trip?
A: In my opinion, I gained self love and to now I don’t have low self esteem. I’m very big on self love now and don’t really pay mind to what other people think of me. I’m glad I learned this. I also gained more love for traveling. This trip made me want to know more about different countries.

“Camp iFLY has made me more independent and more confident when going through my daily life.”

--REGAN

2022 iFLY Scholars

In the summer of 2022, we launched Camp iFLY, a three week day camp in Washington D.C. that culminated with an eight day trip to La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and San Jose, Costa Rica. The day camp was held at Capital Village Public Charter school located in Northeast DC.

During our summer camp, our curriculum engaged students in lessons that focused on self-esteem building, teamwork and accountability amongst their cohort, and community building. The first week of the camp which is themed, “iFLY for Me,” included activities such as creating self-love candles and affirmation bracelets.

The second week of camp, “iFLY for My Team,” covered topics such as managing conflict and understanding the concept of my sister’s keeper. The third week of camp, “iFLY for My Community,” focused on managing misconceptions, addressing stereotypes, and creating an accepting community.

Additionally, throughout all three weeks of camp, students participated in daily Spanish lessons and completed travel preparation activities such as learning to convert currency to help them prepare for their trip to Costa Rica.

"One word to describe my trip to Costa Rica is eye-opening."

"My favorite part of the trip was horseback riding and zip lining."

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholar’s Program, I am more open to trying new things."

"One word to describe my trip to Costa Rica is unforgettable."

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholar’s Program, I feel that i’m more social and more interested in learning about new cultures."

"My favorite part of the trip is when we got to volunteer at the animal shelter and feed the monkeys and parrots."

"I have changed by getting better friends and surrounding myself with better people."

"My favorite part of the camp was meeting new people and making new friends."

"I have been inspired to take more opportunities as well as work harder."

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholar’s Program, I gained confidence more leadership and even learned some responsibility."

"Something that surprised me about Costa Rica was all of the nature and the different kinds of animals and lifestyles."

"My mind has grown and I have expanded my interest in international travel."

"My favorite part about camp iFLY was getting to know the girls around me and forming a better bond with young women my age."

“I liked the Spanish lessons, the fun activities, and meeting new people."

--AKIRA

2020 iFLY Scholars

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our 2020 Class of iFLY Scholars did not have the chance to visit Rome, Italy as previously scheduled.

Although our scholars didn't have the chance to travel, each scholar still received their official passport. We also showered them with love at an Italian-themed end-of-year celebration.

We provided each scholar with a customized tote, passport cover, and a $100 Delta Airlines gift card. They also had the opportunity to participate in a chef-led cooking class and a kid-friendly paint and sip!

“I gained a lot of friendships and relationships. I also learned that if you want something in life, you gotta work hard for it!”

--AYONA

2019 iFLY Scholars

Our iFLY Scholars conquered Cartagena, Colombia in June 2019!

This class of iFLY Scholars were selected based on their personal response statements, academic achievements, teacher recommendations and demonstrated need. They were all students at our partner school, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School.

"Amber is one of the coolest, calm, and very collected 7th graders you will ever meet. She hopes the trip to Colombia can help improve her fluency in Spanish because she wants to pursue a career that requires two languages! This trip will be her first trip out of the country."

"Estefany is nicknamed our little CEO because of her drive and determined nature. She applied to our inaugural class of iFLY Scholars, but was not selected. Instead of being deterred, she reapplied and become one of our TOP applicants for this year! "In the future, she sees herself working as a prosecutor for the United States government so that she can advocate for LatinX people."

"Faith might seem shy when you first meet her, but underneath the shyness is a girl with big DREAMS! "I would like to be a brain surgeon because I am interested in finding a cure for people with cancer and tumors. Also, I would like to join the Peace Corps and teach underrepresented children about science."

"Janiya is a Sweet, Intelligent 7th grader who is also a budding entrepreneur. To help raise money for her trip, she sold homemade cupcakes that taste as good as they look. We definitely won't be surprised if Janiya runs her own bake shop one day!"

"Like most of our scholars, Makayla has never traveled outside the country. She is really excited to visit Colombia so that she can try new foods since she is typically a picky eater. The activity that she is looking forward to the most is visiting El Totumo Volcano. "

"Mary first applied to become an iFLY Scholar because she wanted to experience new things outside of the normal life of America. Mary's favorite part about being an iFLY Scholar is being able to try new things, like when she learned to sew during our time volunteering with the organization Days For Girls."

"One thing you immediately notice about Naomi is her big enormous beautiful hair. Once you get to know her, you will find out that she has an even bigger heart to match. Naomi is a proud member of the E.L. Haynes debate team. This past November, she and her teammates got the chance to attend Michelle Obama's book tour when she came to Washington D.C."

"If I had the opportunity to travel out of the country, I could enrich my education and how I perceive the world. As a young girl of color, to say I have been out the country will give people and future colleagues the understanding that I know more about the world than America, because America makes up only 8.5% of the world's population."

This year's trip chaperones and organizers are Jenny Bonilla, Cidney King, Megan Boemio and A'isha Crawford (not pictured).

2018 iFLY Scholars

We are so thrilled to have partnered with E.L. Haynes Public Charter School to take 10 of their dynamic girls to Costa Rica in June 2018!

These girls worked extremely hard on their applications and were hand selected by our board to serve as our inaugural class of iFLY Scholars!

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholars Program, I am more independent and more responsible."

“I gained a lot of friendships and relationships. I also learned that if you want something in life, you gotta work hard for it!”

"My favorite part of the trip was waking up to the sound of the birds.”

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to experience just how it felt to have a little freedom.”

"It was an honor to be part of this group and trip and I am truly grateful that I was given this chance."

"My favorite part of the trip was visiting the hogarcito (orphanage)."

"The iFLY Scholars Program has given me an experience of a lifetime and made me want to do things like this in the future."

"I've changed in the way I see things and in confidence because now that I've been to another country I don't think I can really be scared anymore."

"Something that surprised me about Costa Rica was how clean the town was and how they took care of the town."

"I gained a lot of friends and a bond with all the girls on the trip. I also learned that you have to live life to the fullest no matter what because this opportunity may never come across you again."

"As the chaperones for this trip, it was an honor to help our girls discover the beauty Costa Rica has to offer!"

iFLY Youth's mission is to develop middle school girls of color into global leaders through international travel and community building. We prioritize girls who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to travel due to financial restraints.

info@ifly-youth.org

(301) 284-0231

Newsletter Sign-Up

iFLY Youth is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, funded through grants, corporate giving and in-kind contributions and donations from individuals who are passionate about giving all girls the opportunity to see the world.

2023 iFLY Scholars

Our scholars went horseback riding and zip lined through the rainforest, learned how to make chocolate at a cacao plantation and swam at Espadilla Norte Beach.

“Camp iFLY has made me more independent and more confident when going through my daily life.”

--REGAN

2022 iFLY Scholars

In the summer of 2022, we launched Camp iFLY, a three week day camp in Washington D.C. that culminated with an eight day trip to La Fortuna, Manuel Antonio and San Jose, Costa Rica. The day camp was held at Capital Village Public Charter school located in Northeast DC.

The second week of camp, “iFLY for My Team,” covered topics such as managing conflict and understanding the concept of my sister’s keeper. The third week of camp, “iFLY for My Community,” focused on managing misconceptions, addressing stereotypes, and creating an accepting community.

Additionally, throughout all three weeks of camp, students participated in daily Spanish lessons and completed travel preparation activities such as learning to convert currency to help them prepare for their trip to Costa Rica.

"One word to describe my trip to Costa Rica is eye-opening."

"My favorite part of the trip was horseback riding and zip lining."

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholar’s Program, I am more open to trying new things."

"One word to describe my trip to Costa Rica is unforgettable."

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholar’s Program, I feel that i’m more social and more interested in learning about new cultures."

"My favorite part of the trip is when we got to volunteer at the animal shelter and feed the monkeys and parrots."

"I have changed by getting better friends and surrounding myself with better people."

"My favorite part of the camp was meeting new people and making new friends."

"I have been inspired to take more opportunities as well as work harder."

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholar’s Program, I gained confidence more leadership and even learned some responsibility."

"Something that surprised me about Costa Rica was all of the nature and the different kinds of animals and lifestyles."

"My mind has grown and I have expanded my interest in international travel."

"My favorite part about camp iFLY was getting to know the girls around me and forming a better bond with young women my age."

“I liked the Spanish lessons, the fun activities, and meeting new people."

--AKIRA

2020 iFLY Scholars

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, our 2020 Class of iFLY Scholars did not have the chance to visit Rome, Italy as previously scheduled.

Although our scholars didn't have the chance to travel, each scholar still received their official passport. We also showered them with love at an Italian-themed end-of-year celebration.

We provided each scholar with a customized tote, passport cover, and a $100 Delta Airlines gift card. They also had the opportunity to participate in a chef-led cooking class and a kid-friendly paint and sip!

“I gained a lot of friendships and relationships. I also learned that if you want something in life, you gotta work hard for it!”

--AYONA

2019 iFLY Scholars

Our iFLY Scholars conquered Cartagena, Colombia in June 2019!

This class of iFLY Scholars were selected based on their personal response statements, academic achievements, teacher recommendations and demonstrated need. They were all students at our partner school, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School.

"Amber is one of the coolest, calm, and very collected 7th graders you will ever meet. She hopes the trip to Colombia can help improve her fluency in Spanish because she wants to pursue a career that requires two languages! This trip will be her first trip out of the country."

"Janiya is a Sweet, Intelligent 7th grader who is also a budding entrepreneur. To help raise money for her trip, she sold homemade cupcakes that taste as good as they look. We definitely won't be surprised if Janiya runs her own bake shop one day!"

"Like most of our scholars, Makayla has never traveled outside the country. She is really excited to visit Colombia so that she can try new foods since she is typically a picky eater. The activity that she is looking forward to the most is visiting El Totumo Volcano. "

This year's trip chaperones and organizers are Jenny Bonilla, Cidney King, Megan Boemio and A'isha Crawford (not pictured).

2018 iFLY Scholars

We are so thrilled to have partnered with E.L. Haynes Public Charter School to take 10 of their dynamic girls to Costa Rica in June 2018!

These girls worked extremely hard on their applications and were hand selected by our board to serve as our inaugural class of iFLY Scholars!

"Since participating in the iFLY Scholars Program, I am more independent and more responsible."

“I gained a lot of friendships and relationships. I also learned that if you want something in life, you gotta work hard for it!”

"My favorite part of the trip was waking up to the sound of the birds.”

“My favorite part of the trip was getting to experience just how it felt to have a little freedom.”

"It was an honor to be part of this group and trip and I am truly grateful that I was given this chance."

"My favorite part of the trip was visiting the hogarcito (orphanage)."

"The iFLY Scholars Program has given me an experience of a lifetime and made me want to do things like this in the future."

"I've changed in the way I see things and in confidence because now that I've been to another country I don't think I can really be scared anymore."

"Something that surprised me about Costa Rica was how clean the town was and how they took care of the town."

"I gained a lot of friends and a bond with all the girls on the trip. I also learned that you have to live life to the fullest no matter what because this opportunity may never come across you again."

"As the chaperones for this trip, it was an honor to help our girls discover the beauty Costa Rica has to offer!"

iFLY Youth's mission is to develop middle school girls of color into global leaders through international travel and community building. We prioritize girls who normally wouldn't have the opportunity to travel due to financial restraints.

info@ifly-youth.org

(301) 284-0231

Follow Us

iFLY Youth is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, funded through grants, corporate giving and in-kind contributions and donations from individuals who are passionate about giving all girls the opportunity to see the world.