dear too fly crew,

If you have not heard the news, the Too Fly Foundation has decided that 2025 would be its last year of impact. There are many mixed emotions with this news. However, there is one emotion that far exceeds the rest: GRATITUDE. The Too Fly Foundation is sunsetting on amazing, honorable high note. And we are thankful that you allowed us to run a race that will leave a long-lasting legacy. In 9 years, we have reached over 400 students through our travel grants and scholarships, over 200 students in our direct outreach initiatives, created grassroots support hubs in over 12 cities across the nation, and solidified nearly $465,974 in unique donor giving. We did this…TOGETHER. Ironically, the number “9” means completion or the closing of a cycle. Thank you for helping us close this beautiful chapter of championing equity in the travel space for our youth. As always, our annual report will show you how we honored the resources we were given to make an impact and what’s to come of Too Fly as we cross the finish line.

Our journey may end, but the impact is forever. Thank you,

Bola Ibidapo

Co-FoundeR & Executive Director

why we took flight

The mission that moved us, the vision that kept us soaring.

Too Fly was never just about travel it was about unlocking possibility, access, and confidence in young people across the globe. Before we close this chapter, we honor the purpose that launched it all.

THE TOO FLY FOUNDATION mission:

To inspire the curiosity to travel abroad and equip students from under-resourced communities with passports, travel grants and educational experiences so that they, too, can see the world.

OUR CONTINUED vision:

creating a world where every student has the opportunity to travel.

meet the too fly crew

The hearts, hustle, and hands behind the mission.
They don’t just believe in travel equity, they live it. Our all-volunteer team is powered by purpose, fueled by late nights and big dreams, and always ready to go the extra mile (or 3,000). Get to know the people who keep Too Fly soaring.

programs that made us soar

Real impact. Bold ideas. Limitless possibilities.
Every Too Fly program was designed to remove barriers and open minds. From VR-powered classrooms to passport-in-hand adventures, we didn’t just talk about travel equity, we built it. These signature programs helped redefine what’s possible for students of color across the globe.

travel@home

Bringing the world to their fingertips.
When they couldn’t take flight, we brought the skies to them. Travel@Home is our innovative virtual reality experience that bridges the gap between education, technology, and wanderlust. Students explore new cultures, engage with immersive tech, and leave inspired to one day take their learning beyond the classroom — and into the world

flight academy

Where first flights turn into lifelong journeys.
Flight Academy is our flagship enrichment program for middle and high school students — packed with global etiquette lessons, cultural deep dives, and real-world travel tools. From booking flights to applying for scholarships, we’ve helped students build confidence, curiosity, and a roadmap for their future travels.

Too fly Fundraisers

Good vibes for a greater cause.
We turned brunches, day parties, and happy hours into purpose-filled gatherings that fuel passports and dreams. Every dollar raised at a Too Fly fundraiser helped a student take flight — and every event reminded us that giving back can be as joyful as it is impactful.

Passport Partner Program

One passport. A world of possibility.
Our Passport Partner Program connected donors directly with students preparing to study abroad. With your support, we placed that first, powerful travel document into the hands of the next generation of global leaders — a simple but transformative step toward seeing the world and changing it.

2024-2025 by the numbers

Tracking the Journeys, the Miles, and the Impact Made Possible

In our final year, the Too Fly Foundation took flight in powerful ways. we measured our impact not just in dollars, but in dreams realized. These numbers represent more than stats, they reflect real students, real growth, and real moments of transformation. Whether it was a first flight, a first passport, or a first time abroad, 2024-2025 was filled with milestones that will last a lifetime.

Here’s how far we went … together.

where your support went in 2024-2025

Every dollar made a difference.

In our final year, the Too Fly Foundation raised $60,013.25 through the incredible generosity of grassroots donors. Your contributions powered essential operations and funded our final grants to deserving nonprofit partners that will carry the Too Fly legacy forward.

This expense breakdown shows how funds were thoughtfully allocated to support students, celebrate our donors, and ensure that the mission of global access continues to reach new heights even beyond Too Fly.

honoring a legacy through flight

In memory of Morgan Goodall-Scott and her deep love for international travel, the Too Fly Foundation proudly launched the MGS Travel Scholarship in 2024. This scholarship honors Morgan’s legacy by creating life-changing opportunities for Black, female students who have not yet traveled abroad and who demonstrate a strong passion for learning and global curiosity.

We are honored to award the inaugural MGS Travel Scholarship to Lanai B., a dedicated student at Spelman College. In 2025, Lanai will embark on her first international journey to London, England — a milestone that reflects both her ambition and the spirit of exploration Morgan championed.

the 2024-2025 scholars & dreamers

Real students. Real stories. Real impact.
From first-time passport holders to future global leaders, these Too Fly recipients remind us exactly why we do what we do. Your support didn’t just send them across the world, it expanded their possibilities, perspectives, and purpose. Meet a few of the remarkable students who took flight because of you.

Lanai Barnett

College Sophomore, Spelman College
Travel Location: London, England
Lanai is the recipient of the MGS Scholarship, awarded in honor of the late Morgan Scott-Goodall to a woman who embodies leadership, purpose, and vision. As a student government leader and advocate on campus, Lanai is passionate about using art and media to impact the world. She hopes her study abroad experience will deepen her global perspective and fuel her dreams of working in the filmmaking industry.

Dayanna Shackleford

College Senior, Winston-Salem State University
Travel Location: London, England
Dayanna is a first-generation college student whose persistence and passion for learning have shaped her journey. After missing a past opportunity to study abroad due to funding, she now looks forward to turning that dream into reality. As a biology major, she’s excited to explore science through a global lens and embrace a new culture outside her comfort zone.

Dori Butler

High School Freshman, SEED Maryland
Travel Location: Cairo, Egypt
Dori believes travel is a powerful way to build empathy and grow as a leader. Ahead of her trip to Egypt, she is already learning about cultural customs and respectful travel etiquette. She sees this journey as a chance to strengthen her understanding of others, build confidence, and expand her leadership skills in new and meaningful ways.

Indyia Haskett

College Sophomore, Morgan State University
Travel Location: Naples and Rome, Italy
Indyia views cultural exploration as essential to her academic growth. Her journey to Italy will offer a powerful contrast to her current experiences, giving her a broader perspective as a global citizen. She hopes the trip will enrich her classroom contributions and allow her to bring more cultural awareness to academic and social conversations.

Tristan St. John

College Senior, Spelman College
Travel Location: Legon, Ghana
Tristan believes great leadership requires global awareness. Her study abroad experience in Ghana will allow her to observe different ways of life, gain new perspectives, and strengthen her cultural competency. She looks forward to applying what she learns to lead with greater empathy, understanding, and impact.

Michael Lagos

College Senior, University of Texas at Austin
Travel Location: Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica
Michael is passionate about designing spaces that are inclusive and culturally considerate. Through his study abroad experience, he hopes to strengthen his global awareness and apply it to his work in architecture and design. By immersing himself in new communities, Michael aims to better understand the needs of others and become a more compassionate, solutions-driven designer.

partners in global impact

Travel grant recipients Advancing Travel, Equity, and Education for Underrepresented Youth

SEED Maryland – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

SEED Maryland and DC students and staff traveled together to Brazil in partnership with Onda Solidaria. Participants spent five days in Rio de Janeiro and five days in Santana do Deserto, engaging in homestays, cultural excursions, service activities, local interactions, and outdoor exploration including national parks and hikes.

Show Me The World Project – Belize and Costa Rica

Show Me The World Project provides youth from under-resourced communities with equitable access to transformative educational experiences both at home and abroad. Their programs focus on immersive learning, cultural exchange, and global exposure.

Expanding Boundaries International – Ghana

Expanding Boundaries International used Too Fly Foundation grant funds to enhance its Summer Ghana Immersion Program, serving low-income students from Baltimore City and Carroll County. The program equips students with cross-cultural and technological education to prepare them for success in a global workforce.

 student testimonials

Stories from the Students Whose Lives Took Flight

This program gave me the chance to see the world — literally. Standing in front of the pyramids, riding a sailboat for the first time, walking through temples that have stood for thousands of years — it was surreal. Everything I learned in history class finally made sense. It hits different when you see it with your own eyes.

After the trip, I honestly feel like I came back different. More driven. That experience made me realize I have something to offer. It showed me I could be a leader, not just in school, but wherever I go. It helped me grow academically, professionally, and personally.

Dori Butler – Egypt

Receiving the Too Fly Foundation scholarship has been a truly transformative experience that deeply impacted my academic, professional, and personal growth. Thanks to this support, I was able to study abroad in London, immersing myself in a rich cultural and artistic environment.

I engaged in conversations with people from all over the world, gaining perspectives I might never have encountered in the U.S. I visited museums, attended theatre performances, and explored vibrant street art. I realized that art is everywhere and that it connects people across cultures.

This experience inspired me to create art that reflects shared human experiences and bridges cultural divides. The Too Fly scholarship opened doors I couldn’t have accessed on my own and empowered me to grow in every aspect of my life.

Lanai Barrett – London, England

 fueling the flight: a celebration of impact

Two Cities. One Mission. Countless Lives Transformed Through Travel.

In 2024, the Too Fly Foundation hosted two unforgettable fundraisers in Atlanta and Dallas, bringing together supporters, donors, sponsors, and past recipients to celebrate the mission that brought us all together. Together, we raised over $12,000 to fund travel scholarships and global experiences for students from underrepresented communities.

These events were more than just fundraisers, they were a reflection of our foundation. From storytelling to gratitude, we honored the journeys of Too Fly scholars, shared the vision that sparked this movement, and recognized the community that made it all possible.

 community outreach in action

Inspiring Curiosity, Confidence, and Global Vision in the Next Generation

On April 19, 2024, the Too Fly Foundation brought its signature outreach experience, Flight Academy, to Dekalb Prep Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. More than 50 students filled the school gymnasium for an unforgettable, high-energy event designed to spark curiosity and expand their view of the world.

Flight Academy is a pep rally-style program created to plant the seed of exploration in students who may not otherwise have access to travel opportunities. At Dekalb Prep, the event featured a live Q&A with commercial pilot Michael Gilliam, offering students a firsthand look into the world of aviation. Students also created dream travel itineraries, tested their global knowledge in a travel etiquette trivia challenge, and connected with the Too Fly team and Spelman College representatives to learn how travel can open new doors.

By the end of the day, students left inspired — energized by the idea that their world can be bigger, their dreams bolder, and their journey just beginning.

 carrying the mission forward

How Your Final Donations Will Make a Lasting Impact

As we prepare to sunset the Too Fly Foundation on July 31, 2025, our commitment to transparency, impact, and equity in travel remains as strong as ever. Every donation received through this date will go directly toward travel scholarships and grants for students in underserved and underrepresented communities — helping them take flight, expand their horizons, and reimagine what's possible.

Any remaining funds will be thoughtfully reallocated to vetted, like-minded organizations that share our vision of global access for all. These partners will continue the work of bridging the travel equity gap and ensuring that students everywhere have the opportunity to experience the world.

Though this chapter is closing, your support ensures that the Too Fly legacy — and the life-changing power of travel — will continue to reach future generations.

 our 2024 passport adopters

One Gift. One Passport. A World of Possibility.

Our Passport Adopters are grassroots donors who contributed $160 or more, the cost of a student passport. Their support opened the door for students to take their first steps toward global exploration.

Each gift directly changed a life, turning travel dreams into reality. We’re grateful for every adopter who believed in the power of access and helped a student take flight.

 with gratitude, our final flight

As we prepare to close this incredible chapter, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support, generosity, and belief in the mission of the Too Fly Foundation — ensuring all students have the opportunity to see the world.

What started as an idea sparked over casual conversations quickly became a movement fueled by purpose. Together, we’ve turned dreams into departures. With your partnership, we’ve equipped hundreds of students with passports, exposed them to new cultures, and helped them reimagine what’s possible for their lives. You didn’t just support a nonprofit — you championed a cause rooted in equity, curiosity, and global possibility.

While 2025 will mark our final year of formal operations, the impact lives on. Every student who took flight through Too Fly carries forward the confidence, perspective, and courage gained through travel — and they will ripple that impact in their communities for years to come.

Thank you for standing beside us, for investing in brighter futures, and for helping us prove that where you begin should never limit how far you can go.

With love, gratitude, and admiration,
The Too Fly Foundation Team

partners with purpose

Collaborations That Take Students Further

Too Fly is powered by partners who believe in the life-changing potential of travel. Their generosity fuels our mission to remove barriers and open global pathways for underrepresented students. Together, we are helping the next generation soar.

Since 2022, Expedia Group has been a transformative force in Too Fly’s mission through its Made to Travel™ Fund. With a total contribution of $50,000, their support has directly funded passports, travel essentials, and global experiences for Too Fly scholars. Rooted in the belief that travel drives personal growth and cultural understanding, Expedia’s partnership reflects a deep alignment with our vision, a world where every student can see beyond their zip code. Their investment continues to inspire curiosity, build confidence, and prepare young leaders for a more connected future.

MaCher, a purpose-driven brand rooted in sustainability and equity, joined the Too Fly movement as a Silver Partner and quickly became an essential part of our community. Their support includes not only generous financial contributions but also beautifully designed, sustainable luggage for our scholars to travel with pride and purpose. Guided by research and intentional design, MaCher brings values of environmental care and cultural awareness to every collaboration, and their partnership helps ensure Too Fly students are equipped, empowered, and seen every step of their journey.

H-E-B has been a Platinum Partner and unwavering supporter of Too Fly since 2022, contributing more than $110,000 to help students broaden their horizons. What began with a surprise gift on The Kelly Clarkson Show has evolved into a multi-year commitment to fuel global education and equity in travel. Their investment funds travel grants, passport support, and student-focused programs that open the world to young people who might not otherwise get the chance. H-E-B’s generosity continues to plant seeds of global curiosity in students across Texas and beyond.

wheels up blog.

sharing stories, shaping futures

At the Too Fly Foundation, our mission to expand access to global travel for underrepresented students comes to life through our blog, WHEELS UP. Over the past year, this platform has amplified the voices and experiences of students whose lives have been changed by travel. From addressing financial barriers to exploring how technology and AI can enhance travel, our blog has sparked meaningful conversations about equity, access, and opportunity.

WHEELS UP also highlights our core initiatives, including the Virtual Flight Academy, which helps close the digital divide and equips students with global learning experiences. We've shared stories from our virtual fundraising events, featured career paths in the travel industry, and celebrated the growth of students stepping into leadership with a global mindset.

Through storytelling, we invite individuals and businesses to join us in expanding these opportunities. When we say "Wheels Up," we mean lifting students toward new experiences, broader horizons, and brighter futures.

 thank you for helping our scholars fly

As we close this chapter, we’re filled with deep gratitude for every supporter, donor, partner, and student who made the Too Fly Foundation what it is.

Together, we turned passports into possibilities, dreams into departures, and curiosity into global confidence. Your belief in this mission helped students see the world, and themselves, in a whole new way.

Though our time as an organization comes to an end, the impact lives on in every student who took flight. Thank you for being part of this journey. You helped build something beautiful, and that legacy will carry on.

the sky is the limit.
✈️