Catch Flights & Degrees: Empowering Youth to Think Globally
- Jul 11, 2025
- 2 min read
At YBS Kids, we don’t just talk about opportunity—we create it. Our recent workshop, Catch Flights & Degrees, was all about empowering young Black students to imagine themselves as global citizens and helping them see studying abroad as something within their reach—not something reserved for others.
But more than that, this workshop showed how powerful it can be to provide information in a way that’s fun, engaging, and culturally relevant.
Breaking Down the Myths
For many Black youth, the idea of studying abroad comes with hesitation—and often, misinformation. Some think it’s too expensive. Others assume it’s only for elite students. And most have never had anyone walk them through what it actually takes to go.
This workshop tackled those myths head-on. Through real talk and relatable activities, students learned:
That there are scholarships and resources specifically for students of color who want to study abroad
That language barriers and cultural differences can be overcome with preparation and community
That exploring the world doesn’t require “having it all figured out”—just a willingness to learn and plan
Learning Through Experience
Instead of just talking about global travel, we gave students the chance to experience what it takes to study abroad. Each student was assigned a country and asked to figure out:
Where they would live
How they’d get from school to home
Where they’d shop for food and essentials
How to navigate local customs and convert currency
This hands-on approach helped students build life skills like critical thinking, budgeting, and independence—all while imagining a life beyond their own zip code.
Why It Matters
Representation matters. So does access. Our young people deserve to see themselves everywhere—not just in classrooms, but on campuses around the world, in new cities, and across borders. By making this workshop fun, interactive, and grounded in reality, we made studying abroad feel possible, not distant.
And when young people feel prepared and supported, they start to dream differently. They begin to see opportunity where there was once only uncertainty.
The Takeaway
“Catch Flights & Degrees” is more than a catchy title. It’s a movement—a mindset shift. One that reminds our youth that the world is theirs to explore, and they don’t have to wait to start preparing for it.
We’ll continue to plant those seeds through workshops that educate, empower, and uplift—because the more our youth know, the further they’ll go.
Let’s keep building futures—one passport at a time.
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