I’m Ellie, a teacher at Hampstead Hill Academy (HHA) in southeast Baltimore. This summer, I’ll be traveling with 28 students to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands and I could not be more excited to share this incredible experience with them.

In the summer of 2024, I had the chance to chaperone an international trip for about 30 eighth graders to Costa Rica. We had an amazing time watching sea turtles lay eggs, white-water rafting, swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall, snorkeling, kayaking, zip-lining, and hanging out in the hot springs!

For many of my students, it was their first time traveling without their parents or even their first time on a plane. I worried about how they’d handle being away from home, but they were more than fine! When we landed back in Baltimore after 10 days, several of them cried when we said goodbye because they didn’t want the trip to end.

My school, HHA, is a public charter school serving over 900 students, more than half of whom are economically disadvantaged. Despite these challenges, our students consistently achieve at the highest level in the city, and I’m so proud of the hard work they put in every day.

Trips like this are truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for many of our kids. If you’re able, I would be so grateful for a donation to help make this experience possible for them.

That’s why I’m reaching out for your help. Every donation will go directly toward making this trip possible for my students, helping cover travel costs for our student travelers.

If you’re able, please consider making a gift...no amount is too small. Your support truly makes a difference in helping Baltimore students see the world, build confidence, and come home forever changed.

Thank you so much for cheering me and my students on!