Stephen Seleny Travel Endowment

The Stephen Seleny Travel Endowment has been established to increase the number of TVS students who can have transformational experiences on our Trojans Abroad & TOE Beyond Programs.

TVS students exploring China

For decades, Trojans have been traveling to various international destinations with their peers and teachers. Since 2011, more than 500 students and faculty have travel abroad together on programs, including language immersive and home-stay programs in China/Taiwan, Spain, and Quebec; 1:1 School-Family Exchanges in Australia, Canada, and Scotland; a study of the Holocaust and Human Rights in Germany and Poland with students from a German partner school; a close look at religion and culture in Japan; an intensive theater program in England; Service Learning and cultural experiences in Ethiopia and Eswatini/Swaziland, historical journeys in Greece and Italy; and Trojan Outdoor Experience Beyond trips in the Austrian Alps, along the Inca Trail of Peru, on the ocean in the Bahamas, and in the rain forests of Costa Rica.

Hiking the Austrian Alps

Support Travel Abroad --

Transform a Trojan

Why GIVE TO this initiative?
When students live with families in other countries, explore places of historical and cultural significance, and discover for themselves natural wonders of the world, they are changed forever. Transformational learning is fostered by experiencing new ways of thinking and living, developing stronger language and leadership skills and self-confidence, and making lifelong friendships with people from diverse backgrounds.

In the words of Trojan Travelers...

“Global connections are wonderful to have… My language skills improved immeasurably.”

“I learned that I am able to overcome my fears, and then be confident in them.”

“I’m much more of a leader than I thought I was.”

“It was the most beautiful place I have ever seen, and it is such a great eye-opening experience.”
 

How you can help:

We are asking for contributions to provide financial assistance to TVS students who cannot afford the full cost of these trips. The larger the endowment, the more students who will benefit from our Trojans Abroad Programs every year! Please email Gerry Cumpiano (Advancement Dir.) to find out how you can sponsor a Trojan.

 

Apply for funding

ELIGIBILITY: The deadline for 2025 trips has passeD

Application for financial assistance is open to current 8th-12th grade TVS students in good academic and disciplinary standing and for all TVS Trojans Abroad & TOE Beyond International Programs. TVS families who are currently receiving Financial Aid for tuition are especially invited to apply; however, the Committee will consider all applications.

Students are eligible to apply for funding for only one TVS Travel Program per year. 

AWARD AMOUNTS:

As with tuition, TVS believes that the family should bear primary responsibility for the cost of any TVS Travel Program. However, this endowment allows us to provide limited funds to a small number of students.

The amount of financial support that applicants may receive depends on:

1. the total annual budget for the Endowment, which will vary from year to year;
2. the number of students applying for assistance;
3. the age of applicants (older students may have priority);
4. the cost of the trip for which the applicant is applying; and
5. the applicant's personal statement and financial need based on the family's most recent 1040, TVS financial aid award, or other relevant information provided (all due at time of application).

This year, the maximum amount of support per applicant will range from $500-$2,000, depending on the above factors.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Applications are due to Kiley Brannon (TVS Main Office) by the Trip Application Deadline (CLICK HERE for details), regardless of when trip program sign ups or applications are due. LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS MIGHT NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR AN AWARD.

All information submitted will be kept confidential and will only be used to assess your need for a TVS Travel Program. Decisions for aid will be made by a committee, including the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Global Education, Director of TOE, Division Heads and/or the Assistant Head of School.

Before accessing the online application, please know or prepare the following information:

1. the approximate cost of the Travel Program (see Trojans Abroad Programs);
2. the maximum amount you and your family can contribute towards the Program; and
3. the amount of funding you expect from other sources (e.g., family gifts, money from babysitting or part-time work, etc.)

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

STEP 1: If you are currently receiving financial assistance at TVS, you only need to complete the online application by Trip Application Deadline.

If you are NOT currently receiving financial assistance at TVS, by the trip application deadline, submit a copy of the front page of your family's most recent 1040 Federal Tax Return and any other documentation you wish to explain your situation (including a letter from a parent/legal guardian) and your need. Submit all documents in a sealed envelope to Kiley Brannon in the front office. If parents/guardians are separated or divorced, submit forms for all parents/legal guardians with custody of the applicant (including step-parents who bear financial responsibility for the applicant).

STEP 2: Complete the online application by Trip Application Deadline.

ONLINE APPLICATION: CLICK HERE (The deadline for 2025 trips has passed)

IF YOU HAVE BEEN AWARDED FUNDS, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

STEP 1: Communicate clearly with the Global Education Dir. by the deadline given whether you will accept the award and commit to the program.

STEP 2: Complete and turn in all program forms on time, including:

1. original (not photocopy) TVS Waiver/Indemnification form,
2. original (not photocopy) Student Agreement Form,
3. passport photocopy (if required),
4. deposit/funds due (less your award); and
5. any online registration required by third party trip programs (e.g., Grand Classroom, Prometour, etc.)

To protect the identity of each applicant and recipient, names will not be announced to the community.

Treasures in Italy and friendships in Spain

Global friendships start here.