A VOLUNTEER-LED NONPROFIT SUPPORTING ST. CHARLES STUDENTS
Student Journeys
ABOUT US
Opportunity belongs
to every student.
We bring families and neighbors together to make student trips, programs, and life-changing opportunities more affordable.
OUR MISSION
Opportunity should not depend on what a family can afford.
Partners for Student Journeys expands access to educational travel by reducing financial barriers, building shared community support, and funding resources that help students participate fully.
We serve students enrolled in St. Charles Public Schools, Independent School District #858, who participate in eligible school-sponsored trips. Our current programs primarily serve middle- and high-school students, but eligible students at any grade level may be supported.
WHO WE SUPPORT
Helping students participate fully
Our work focuses on affordability while also addressing barriers that can prevent students from sharing the same experience as their classmates.
Trip affordability
Group and individual fundraisers reduce the amount families must pay toward eligible school-sponsored trips.
Travel assistance
Our developing Travel Assistance Program will help students and families facing financial challenges.
Accessibility and participation
Funds may support interpreters, aides, accessibility services, or other resources needed for students to participate fully.
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled in St. Charles Public Schools and participating in the eligible school-sponsored trip or opportunity.
HOW FUNDING WORKS
Different fundraisers. One clear purpose.
Group fundraisers
After direct expenses and any published reserve, net proceeds are pooled and divided equally as trip support among eligible participating students.
Individual sales
Each fundraiser publishes a fixed net amount per item sold. The student’s resulting trip support is paid directly to the travel operator.
Unrestricted funds
The board may use unrestricted support for travel assistance, accessibility resources, approved student opportunities, reasonable operating costs, and reserves.
Payments
Approved student support is paid directly to the school-selected travel operator. Funds are not paid to students, families, or the school district.
The board retains discretion and control over charitable funds and allocates them according to our mission, published policies, available resources, and documented student or program needs.
A SHARED EFFORT
Fundraising works when families participate.
Group fundraising depends on families and community members sharing the work fairly.
8
Hours
General volunteer expectation
Participating families are generally expected to complete eight volunteer hours during the fundraising year. A student, parent, guardian, relative, or another person may volunteer on the student traveler’s behalf. Families affected by work, health, disability, transportation, language, military service, or other barriers should contact us so we can arrange a reasonable alternative.
INDEPENDENT & COLLABORATIVE
Our working relationships
St. Charles Public Schools #858
We work with school personnel to understand needs and coordinate approved activities, but we remain an independent nonprofit.
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The district does not operate or control our organization.
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Our funds never pass through school accounts.
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We do not obtain student information directly from the district.
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Trips specific costs and policies are managed by the district.
School-selected travel providers
The district selects its travel providers. We work with those providers only to apply approved trip support.
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We do not select or recommend travel providers.
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We receive no fee, commission, discount, or benefit.
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Providers maintain the individual traveler accounts.
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Approved payments are made directly to the provider.
Program in Development
Travel Assistance Program
This confidential program is being developed for students whose financial, language, disability, or accessibility-related needs could prevent full participation in an eligible trip.
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A board-designated committee will review applications.
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Board members will recuse themselves when a conflict exists.
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School personnel may provide appropriate guidance while protecting private information.
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Approved payments will go directly to the travel operator or service provider.
LEADERSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITY
Led by community volunteers
Our volunteer board provides financial oversight, adopts organizational policies, and makes mission-focused funding decisions.
Nonprofit status
Partners for Student Journeys is a Minnesota nonprofit recognized as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Conflict of interest
Board members and volunteers must disclose interests that could affect—or appear to affect—a decision. When a conflict exists, the individual will not participate in deliberation or voting, and the board will document its decision under the organization’s conflict-of-interest policy.