Hi everyone,

My name is Michelle Salazar Ortega, and I am a sophomore at Walla Walla Community College. Recently, I received an incredible opportunity that I am very excited about: I was selected as one of only 10 students nationwide for the Keith Sherin Global Leaders Program through the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE).

This program brings together First-generation and low-income college students from across the United States to explore global sustainability, peace, and justice in The Hague, Netherlands.

Selected students will participate in coursework this summer, during a month, from mid-June to mid-July, at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HAUS), engage in global exchange, and build international connections.

While being selected is a great honor, the costs of the program are significant and not all expenses are fully covered. I am currently working and saving as much as I can, but I still need support to cover the remaining amount.

Estimated Cost Breakdown:

Program Fee: $2,750

Includes lodging in The Hague, some meals, program instruction, and round trip flight from New York to Amsterdam.

Airfare (Walla Walla -> New York -> Walla Walla): $700

Lodging in New York (pre-departure): $800

I am required to arrive in New York a day before the program begins, which means I will need to cover that first night of lodging out of pocket. In addition, my return flight to Walla Walla departs the day after the program ends, so I will also need to pay for an additional night of lodging before traveling home.

Personal & Daily Expenses: $600

Meals not covered by the program, local transportation, and basic day-to-day expenses.

ESTIMATED TOTAL: $4850

Why this is important to me

This opportunity goes far beyond studying abroad; it is the chance to represent my community and my college on a global stage. Walla Walla Community College has been a strong foundation of support and growth for me as a first-generation college student. Through this program, I will gain knowledge, perspectives, and leadership skills that I hope to bring back and share with my community, creating opportunities and inspiration for other who face similar challenges.

With your support, I can turn this transformative opportunity into a reality and bring those lessons back home. Thank you for believing in students like me and helping us reach our full potential.

With gratitude,

Michelle Salazar Ortega