Page 19 - St. Albans 2018 Viewbook

GROWTH AND OPPORTUNITY
Our International Reach
Half our students travel overseas on a school-sponsored trip.
For decades, St. Albans has encouraged and supported student travel through well-established school exchanges, often with home stays, in Australia, the Czech Republic, France, India, South Africa, Spain, and
the United Kingdom. Through a rich assortment of fellowships, students may travel almost anywhere in pursuit of a project that inspires them. Past travelers have investigated such topics as Basque separatism in Spain, the Gross National Happiness metric in Bhutan, sustainable salmon fisheries in Scotland, Aboriginal rights in Australia, the Ireland of poet W.B. Yeats, cheetahs in Namibia, and climate change in Alaska.
The Skip Grant Program
Every student should reach his potential. That is the premise behind the Skip Grant Program, founded in 1968 to provide academic and social support and guidance to St. Albans students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented at the school. Named for the program’s long-time director, the Skip Grant Program seeks, as prospective candidates, talented young men who have a record of academic success, exhibit exemplary character and moral traits, and possess unique or special talents. Once admitted to the program, students receive additional monitoring, support, and, if needed, tutorial assistance to help them adjust to and thrive at St. Albans.
Each year, thirty to forty Upper and Lower School students enroll in the Skip Grant Program. Among them have been musicians, club presidents, actors, team captains, dorm residents, class presidents, and honor roll students, from diverse ethnic, racial, economic, and religious backgrounds.
“If you’re going to go out into the
world and make a real contribution,
you need to spend some time in an
environment that I would describe
as vinegar and honey. St. Albans
challenges each and every boy, and
puts him to the test, but the school
also gives a little honey in the process.
It’s easier to accept a challenge
when you know you’re in an
environment where you will find
compassion and understanding.” SKIP GRANT,
LONG-TIME PROGRAM DIRECTOR
“The Skip Grant Program gave me a great opportunity to get a first-rate education by providing me with the support system
necessary to succeed.” TRAVIS AKIWOWO, ALUMNUS