About Us
Discover the heart and mission of Wandering With Pride. Founded by Michael Eisinger, our nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ scholars through travel scholarships, community support, and cultural exchange opportunities. Learn how we inspire personal growth, foster self-acceptance, and create meaningful experiences for the LGBTQ+ community.
About Us
Welcome to Wandering With Pride, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering LGBTQ+ scholars to explore the world with pride and purpose. Founded by Michael Eisinger, our mission is to provide LGBTQ+ travel scholarships, community support, and cultural exchange opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals, helping them to broaden their horizons and enrich their lives.
Our Inspiration: Empowering LGBTQ+ Scholars
Wandering With Pride was born from Michael Eisinger's personal journey as a gay man who found strength and inspiration through travel and community. Traveling the world, Michael realized the profound impact that experiencing different cultures and meeting diverse people can have on one's personal growth and self-acceptance. This realization led to the creation of Wandering With Pride, an organization aimed at providing similar transformative experiences to others in the LGBTQ+ community, empowering LGBTQ+ scholars along the way.
Michael had always dreamed of funding a scholarship, envisioning that one day, when he became independently wealthy, he would make that dream a reality. However, after a challenging breakup, he found himself back in his home state of Michigan, 20 years after his high school graduation. As he traveled down memory lane, planning a year of travel, Michael had an epiphany: he didn't need to wait to become wealthy to make a difference. With a decade of experience working for nonprofits, he realized he had the skills, knowledge, and connections to start his own nonprofit and raise funds to support LGBTQ+ scholars. This realization was the catalyst for founding Wandering With Pride, where Michael could leverage his experience to create meaningful opportunities for others every day.
What is an LGBTQ+ Scholar?
At Wandering With Pride, an LGBTQ+ scholar is anyone within the LGBTQ+ community enrolled in a trade school, community college, or pursuing a degree up to the PhD level. Our scholars are those who have the passion and drive to explore the world through 1-3 week study abroad programs facilitated by their educational institutions or legitimate organizations such as EF Tours. Through our LGBTQ+ travel scholarships, we pay directly to the school or organization to streamline the process and avoid compliance and reimbursement issues. Additionally, we provide a stipend or grant for personal travel expenses, eliminating the need for receipts. Once awarded, we consult with scholars to identify their tech needs abroad and assist with purchases of technology or SIM cards, ensuring they can share their experiences with us and the world.
Our Programs for LGBTQ+ Scholars
LGBTQ+ Travel Scholarships: We provide financial assistance to LGBTQ+ individuals who wish to explore new cultures and gain global perspectives. Our scholarships cover travel expenses, accommodation, and other essential costs, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder one's ability to explore the world.
Do All Your Wandering in One Place!
Create a Wanderers' Hub Account to manage all your interactions with Wandering With Pride. With an account, you can opt in to:
- Receive customized alerts about funding opportunities
- Sign up for volunteer opportunities
- Manage/track your donations
- Track your tax deductible purchases
- Stay updated with our latest news and newsletters tailored to your interests
Funding Opportunities
Access financial support to help realize your travel dreams. We offer funding opportunities for LGBTQ+ scholars, enabling them to explore new cultures, gain valuable experiences, and grow personally and academically. Apply now to see how we can support your journey.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join us in building a supportive community for LGBTQ+ travelers. Volunteer your time and skills to help organize events, review scholarship applications, or assist in growing our nonprofit. Share your expertise and tell us what skills you bring to the table. Your involvement can make a significant difference in fostering a safe and enriching environment for all.
Become a Donor
Support our cause by becoming a donor. Your contributions help us offer cultural exchange programs and travel scholarships to LGBTQ+ individuals. Together, we can promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion through the power of travel.
Merchandise
Show your support by purchasing our merchandise. All proceeds go towards funding scholarships and covering our operational costs. Stay tuned for exclusive merch drops and special offers available only to Wander Account Members.
Get Involved Today!
Create a an account to receive customized alerts about funding opportunities, volunteer roles, and donation options. Stay updated with our latest news, merchandise drops, and newsletters tailored to your interests. Sign up today to join our journey and make a difference!