Last week, 19 Chicago students set off on their Global Glimpse journey to the Dominican Republic thanks to support from American Airlines.

To celebrate the beginning of their adventure, American Airlines hosted a special gate send-off at Chicago O’Hare, welcoming students before they departed for an 11 day trip focused on leadership development, cultural exchange, and service learning.

This opportunity was championed by Carolyne Truelove, Vice President of Customer Operations & Excellence at American Airlines, whose leadership helped make this experience possible for these young leaders.

For many of these students, this will be their first time traveling internationally or traveling without the support of family. What lies ahead is more than a trip—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, independence, and a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it.

“Travel has the power to expand horizons, build confidence, and create opportunities that can shape a young person’s future. We’re proud to support these students as they experience the world beyond their communities and discover what’s possible when they step outside their comfort zones.”

— Carolyne Truelove, American Airlines

Over the next 11 days, these Glimpsers will be immersed in daily life in the Dominican Republic while developing the leadership skills, global perspective, and confidence that will serve them long after they return home.

Thank you, American Airlines, for investing in the next generation of leaders and helping make this experience possible.

Next stop: Dominican Republic 🇩🇴