WHO:
- Meet the 9 CPS students representing the city of Chicago at the Women’s WorldCup this summer in the first international student exchange with Chicago’s sister city, Paris.
- The delegation was chosen via Urban Initiatives, a local nonprofit providing afterschool programming and leadership through sport in the city. They helped coordinate the international student exchange in partnerships with France-based youth sports nonprofit, Sport dans la ville.
- Chicago-based travel brand Orbitz is covering all travel costs for Chicago’s first student delegation representing the city at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in France. They are also providing lodging for students from France who will visit the city this summer.
WHAT:
- Students and their families are preparing for their upcoming trip to represent Chicago and cheer on Team USA at the FIFA Women’s World Cup semifinal / final matches and closing ceremonies in Lyon, France this summer.
- This is the first time many of the student delegates will be traveling internationally. The trip is being made possible for students that may not have otherwise been able to take an international trip due to socio-economic status or other factors.
- Orbitz employees and Urban Initiatives will lead a Q&A on female empowerment and travel tips to prepare for the international trip this summer in late June / early July.
WHEN:
- Travel Seminar: Tuesday, April 23rd
- Trip Dates: July 1-11, 2019
WHERE:
- Orbitz Headquarters: 500 W Madison, Suite 700, Chicago IL 60661
WHY:
- Urban Initiatives helps train and prepare leaders of tomorrow through sport and leadership programs benefitting underserved youth and communities in Chicago. They initiated the student exchange with nonprofit Sport dans la ville, the city of Paris and Women’s World Cup as a way to foster understanding and diversity among its students through a global travel experience.
- The students were chosen through an essay contest where students were asked to explain how this trip would impact their lives and improve their leadership skills.
- While in France the student delegation will meet 400 youth from 50 countries; participate in a forum on gender equity in sports; play in a unity soccer tournament; and attend semifinal / final matches and the closing ceremonies at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.