it started with an idea written on a napkin... to help deserving youth!

Our Story

Formed in the year 2000, the SYTA Youth Foundation is the 501(c)(3) philanthropic organization of the Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA). Together, we believe that student travel opens doors far beyond the walls of a classroom, and to that end, the Foundation connects youth with the resources required for travel experiences that will expand their knowledge of the world.

Through strategic partnerships and fundraising initiatives, the SYTA Youth Foundation has worked diligently to connect youth with the resources required for travel experiences that will inspire them to be confident, connected, and socially responsible citizens. To date, we have impacted more than 7,750 students and awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships and programs.

SYTA Youth Foundation Past Chairs

2023-2024 Allison French, Broadway Inbound

2022-2023 Teresa DeFazio, Universal Destinations & Experiences

2021-2022 Debra Borgwardt, SYTA

2020-2021 Robin Parker, Kaleidoscope Adventures

2019-2020 Barbara McCormack

2018-2019 Bud Geissler, GroupCollect

2017-2018 Bruce Rickert, Peak Group Travel

2016-2017 Sheelagh Wylie

2015-2016 Kirk Troen, Troen Student Performance Events

2013-2014 Denise George, Receptively Yours

2012-2013 Kevin Herlihy, Travel Insured International

2011-2012 Kerry Montgomery

2010-2011 Marie Martin

2009-2010 Kasie Smith, Serendipity Media

2008-2009 Bob Hofmann, Broadway Inbound

2007-2008 Jill Gleason-Knox

2006-2007 Keith Snode

2005-2006 Bryan Cole, Super Holiday Tours

2004-2005 Neal Waldman, GLR Tours

2003-2004 Cindy Brown, Boston Duck Tours*

2000-2003 Ripley Hunter*

*SYTA Youth Foundation Co-Founders

SYTA Youth Foundation Charter Members

Academic Travel Services • American Tour & Travel • Boston Duck Tours • Broadway Inbound • Choice Hotels International • Disney Imagination Campus – Walt Disney World • Earl Grossman • EF Explore America • Ellison Travel & Tours • Gerber Tours, Inc. • Group Photos, Inc. • Kaleidoscope Adventures • Laser Quest Corporation • Mears Transportation • Michael Palmer • Neal Waldman • New Horizons Tour & Travel, Inc. • Ripley Hunter • School Voyageurs • Sunsational Receptive Tours • Super Holiday Tours • The Air Travel Group • The Leaders Forum • Tony Saccaro, Jr. • Travel Adventures, Inc. • Wyndham Hotel Group