
A Global Impact Conference
Building leadership, student purpose and connections through global projects

Why Apply to the “Taking Root” Accelerator & Global Conference ?
Strengthen your leadership portfolio & make an impact
Deepen your sense of purpose
Stand out by learning how to share your skills, story & passions on college applications
Improve your mindset through coaching & support
Frequently Asked Questions
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We are looking for the future changemakers who are committed to addressing the world’s most pressing issues. Fellows generally have the following characteristics:
Willingness to take risks & ask bold questions
A demonstrated passion for addressing issues in your community and a record of service work
An ability to be vulnerable/self-reflective & explore how a personal story connects to your passion
High levels of academic engagement & curiosity
Interest in social entrepreneurship, international development or using their field to change the world for the better
Strong leadership potential & an interest in developing leadership skills
Students ages 15-19
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There is a registration fee for the conference. For more information about costs and registration, email hello@travelatreethatgrows.com
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We are really excited to have you join us. If you would like to participate, please email hello@travelatreethatgrows.com
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Rolling Admission for Cohort 1: July-August 2024
Rolling Admission for Cohort 2 : October 1-December 15, 2024
Rolling Admission for Cohort 3: Feb 1-March 15, 2025
Start date for each cohort:
Cohort 1 start date: September 3rd, 2024
Cohort 2 start Date: January 6, 2025
Cohort 3 start date: April 1, 2025
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Team sessions: 2x a week 30 min + question/answers sessions via email or a WhatsApp Group.
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Our first conference date will be on September 21st-22nd and will be half day sessions with speaker and student presentations.
Two other conferences will be happening in February and May 2025, dates pending.
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Select students from around the world and vetted global organizations in the nonprofit sector
Bryanna is working to create a web platform containing culturally sensitive resources for women experiencing gender based violence in Tanzania, Ghana & the UK








What happens during our accelerator before the conference?
Step 1 : Shape Your Self
Find your unique impact & design your project with a global team, while building a positive growth mindset
Script Your Story
Understand and share your unique story & connect it to the project
Spot Your Strengths
Identity and leverage your strengths into your project and align them with the UN SDGs
Pinpoint Your Passion
Find which cause inspires you & begin interviewing community members for the project
Step 2: Ignite Your Impact
Build out the project in a web platform & have it implemented in Tanzania, while learning from experts in International Development & Social Entrepreneurship
Secure Your Skills
Deepen your knowledge of international development and social entrepreneurship
Pioneer Your Project
Pilot your project in Tanzania, get impact data & compile the data & photos on the website
Power Your Portfolio
Take your impact data and develop a personalized online project portfolio
Step 3 : Master Your Mindset
Share the project with global partners outside Tanzania & create an impact project portfolio to strengthen your college applications
Pursue Your Purpose
Assess impact data & connect with other changemakers without overwhelm or anxiety
Beckon Your Bravery
Pitch your project internationally (on average between 3-4 different countries)
Find your Flow
Develop the mindset tools needed to pursue your purpose, build your confidence and find your flow



Some of our successes so far
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Over 9 million dollars in financial aid
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Full ride acceptances at the most competitive universities
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Improved student purpose and clarity
Here’s what students are saying
Hafsa, student at Abaarso School
Collaborating with Lauren has been transformative. Her program empowered me, enhancing my advocacy and community-building abilities. Our partnership sparked innovation and lasting change, especially in Somaliland's orphan advocacy. I've learned leadership, strategic planning, and the value of teamwork. Networking opportunities with like minded developed my horizons and widened my dedication to serving others. I'm Thankful for Lauren's mentorship, I'm excited to continue making a meaningful impact together.
MohamedAmin, Abaarso School
My gap year wouldn't have been the same without meeting Lauren. She helped me bring an idea to life and showed me that to start something new, you don't always need to have everything figured out. Just start, ask for help when you need it (you'd be surprised how many people are willing to help), and it will happen. Lauren taught me that turning an idea into reality doesn't always require fancy equipment or advanced skills. With just my phone, I documented stories from culture to architecture and reached a broad audience. Her support through the college process, especially with essay editing, also does not go unnoticed.
You’ll continue to grow your project, while building a positive mindset for future success
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Because your project is online we help you maximize impact, by leveraging our network to help you find community organizations wanting to work with you.
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We help you find blogs, podcasts, news outlets, etc. that are interested in highlighting the work that you are doing so your project can reach more people.
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We help you find the right conferences, competitions and other outlets to share your project so your work can be recognized.
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We help you figure out how to best use your story and impact lessons from your project in college applications.



Benefits of becoming a “Taking Root” Fellow
Stand out through a personalized project plan & individualized mentorship
Because we keep our numbers small, each of our volunteers get personal attention in designing their project
You’ll work with a volunteer project coach & a community supervisor is Tanzania
Deepen your global impact & knowledge of Social Entrepreneurship
You’ll access language & cultural classes, plus you’ll have a group chat to learn and work with the community partner in designing your project
Your project is shared widely to more than one community partner which means a greater impact
Reduce stress in knowing your project is one of a kind
We know that high school can feel stressful so we we provide emotional and social support throughout the process and help you connect your project to a deeper purpose
You’ll access a support team in helping you share and scale your project
Intentionally small
We keep our numbers small so you get the best of us & the most tailored experiences
Build your network with a global team of changemakers
Each of our Fellows will access a community of other Fellows from around the world to collaborate & learn with as you design your volunteer project
Inclusive & Accessible
We stand firmly that volunteering shouldn’t be for a select few, so we are committed to meeting the learning needs of all Fellows



Do this from anywhere
Whether you’re on another summer program or in high school, you have the flexibility to design a volunteer project from wherever you are.
Amplify your impact on applications, essays & interviews
We provide you with a reference letter that highlights the leadership work you’ve done
We help you showcase your project in college applications, essays & interviews
& Join a global alumni network for continual support in sharing your impact
Your experience won’t end after 15-months. You’ll join an alumni network & gain access to exclusive events, tips & connections with other Fellows.