Question 1

How is Shoulder-to-Shoulder different from other travel programs?

Accepted Answer

While our programs are travel-based, they are not “trips.” Instead, each program is an experiential field study in ethical leadership. We call each program a “Field Study” because students are actively learning about ethical leadership in “the field” alongside our trusted nonprofit partners.Our field studies are educational, tech-free, have small groups, and use a three-phase experiential learning model.

Question 2

Who are the program leaders?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our program leaders are professional educators from our partner schools. The minimum age to lead a program is 21, but most of our leaders are over 30 years old. Whenever a younger leader (Under 25) is selected to lead a program, they are paired with an older (30+) veteran instructor.All of our program leaders go through a rigorous application process that includes reference checks and a complete background check.

Question 3

What is your cell phone/technology policy?

Accepted Answer

All of our courses are tech-free, allowing students to be fully present in the experience. Disconnecting from technology helps participants to truly connect with the group and the communities that we work with.Participants are allowed to travel with their phones to and from the gateway city. Once the whole group has arrived and the program begins, the program leaders will collect cell phones and hold them for the duration of the program.

Question 4

What is the typical group size for a program?

Accepted Answer

Our groups typically consist of 10 to 14 participants, with two to three program leaders.

Question 5

What is the application process?

Accepted Answer

All participants must complete the short online application (approximately 10 minutes). After receiving a completed application, we will follow up with the reference listed on the application. Once the reference check is complete, participants will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview. Following the admissions interview, participants will be notified if they have been accepted into the program.

Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder