Support Sydney's Dream: Italy Tour

Help Sydney Streams Reach Her Educational Dream in Italy

Sydney Streams is a bright and determined ninth grader at Bard Early College High School in Baltimore. Despite challenges at home (she lives with her hardworking single mother while her father is incarcerated), Sydney remains committed to excellence. She is an Honor Roll student who made the Dean’s List, always pushing herself in her classes. Known for her kindness and positive attitude, Sydney is a natural giver who loves school, helping others, and bringing joy to everyone she meets.

• Academic & Leadership Excellence: Sydney excelled this year, balancing Honors classes with leadership roles. She serves as a youth ambassador for the Holistic Group for Mental Health and for the Young Successful Leaders Program, mentoring peers and promoting well-being.

• Hardworking Student: Outside school, Sydney works part-time at Rita’s Italian Ice and plans to add a second job this summer through YouthWorks at the Little Flowers Early Childhood and Development Center. Even with two jobs, she never lets her grades slip.

• Artistic & Expressive: A creative soul, Sydney loves singing, dancing, and painting. She’s an independent artist who has sold her own artwork at youth expos. She also participates in debate and other clubs, showing confidence and poise in front of an audience.

• Community & Faith: Sydney is an active member of her church, Rising Zion, where she volunteers and supports community events. Whether cheering on classmates or volunteering at church functions, she always steps up to help.

• Caring & Positive: Above all, Sydney is known for her generous heart. She tutors younger students, listens to friends who need support, and brings a bright smile to every challenge.

The Italy Educational Opportunity

This June 2027, Sydney has earned a once-in-a-lifetime chance to travel to Italy on an educational architecture tour. She will explore Rome, Florence, and Venice, studying the ancient buildings and art she has read about in books. This immersive trip will also allow her to earn both high school and college credit as she studies architecture and history. Such study-abroad experiences are known to be transformative – “enhanc[ing] your education and prepar[ing you] for a globalized world.” In Italy, Sydney will walk among world-famous landmarks, broadening her perspective and fueling her passion for learning. Programs like this let students “enhance their learning and earn transferable…college credit,” giving Sydney an early start on her higher education.

Fundraising Goal: $5,000 by May 2027

To make this dream possible, Sydney needs to raise $5,000 by May 2027. These funds will cover:

• Program Fees & Learning Materials: Tuition for the architecture tour, museum admissions, and study materials.

• Round-Trip Travel: Airfare from Baltimore to Italy and all transportation between cities.

• Housing & Meals: Safe accommodations and daily meals during the two-week trip.

• Cultural Experiences: Local guides, workshops, and supplies so Sydney can fully engage with Italian art and history.

Every dollar donated helps ease the financial burden. Even a small contribution (for example, $25 for materials or $100 toward airfare) brings Sydney closer to her goal. Your support will ensure Sydney can focus on learning instead of costs.

Why Sydney Deserves Your Support

Sydney’s story is one of resilience and giving. She balances two jobs, honors classes, and volunteer work with a smile. Research shows that young people who volunteer — like Sydney does in her leadership and church programs — often develop strong leadership skills and “are more likely to do well in school.” In other words, supporting Sydney not only helps her personally; it honors the potential she already shows as a future leader and professional. This trip will reward her hard work and inspire her to give back even more to her community when she returns.

• Investing in a Bright Future: By backing Sydney, you’re investing in a talented student who will bring her Italy experiences back to Baltimore. She plans to share what she learns about architecture and culture with her classmates and younger students, multiplying the impact of your donation.

• Honoring Her Dedication: Sydney’s determination to succeed (even while working two jobs and helping at home) is truly inspiring. Helping her reach this goal will show her that her community believes in her.

How You Can Help

Please consider donating and sharing Sydney’s story. Every gift and every share brings her closer to the $5,000 goal by May 2027. You can help in these ways:

1. Donate: No amount is too small. A gift of even $10, $25, or $50 helps cover costs like educational materials or meals. All donations go directly to Sydney’s trip expenses.

2. Share: Post Sydney’s story on Facebook, Instagram, or with your networks. The more people know about her dream, the faster we can reach the goal.

3. Encourage: Leave a message of support or send Sydney good wishes. Your encouragement means a lot to a young person achieving big goals!

Together, we can make a difference. Sydney has given so much to others – now it’s our turn to give back to her. Please help Sydney reach her goal by May 2027 so she can take this life-changing journey. Thank you for your generosity and for sharing Sydney’s story!