Jekyll2026-04-09T16:32:42+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/feed.xmlAtlas Travel FoundationTopeka-based organization established in 2024 to support academic study abroad through travel scholarships to eligible Shawnee County Students.Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgAtlas Travel Foundation Connects with Students at Washburn’s Bowtie Event!2026-02-08T00:00:00+00:002026-02-08T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/ATF-connects-students-bowtieWashburn students learned about the first Atlas Travel Foundation Scholarship at Washburn University’s Bowtie Event on February 4, 2025. Foundation representatives answered questions about the scholarship, learned where students want to travel, and connected with educators who support study abroad programs.

Students’ travel bucket lists spanned the globe, ranging from Antarctica to Iran and several locations in Europe, Central and South America. One student said they wanted to travel “everywhere, because there is so much to see.” Students were interested in learning about other cultures, enjoying international food, learning a new language, and seeing the natural beauty of the world.

Educators emphasized the transformational nature of travel–it is an experience that cannot be replicated in any way other than leaving the known and the familiar, and challenges students in a way that builds resiliency for adulthood.

You can help fund Shawnee County students’ education and transformation by supporting their participation in study abroad programs. Consider making a donation to the Atlas Travel Foundation to help Shawnee County students explore their world. Even just a small donation can turn “I wish I could go” into “I went!”

]]>Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgCome see us at the Washburn Bowtie Event, February 4!2026-01-06T00:00:00+00:002026-01-06T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/come-see-us-at-Washburn-Feb-4Come see us at Washburn Bowtie!

Come learn more about the Atlas Travel Foundation and ask any questions you have about our scholarship. We’ll be at Washburn Bowtie, a study abroad fair and showcase of student organizations and majors.

  • February 4, 2026
  • 11 am - 1pm
  • Washburn A - Memorial Union

Follow along with our event on Facebook here. We’ll see you there!

]]>Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgGiving Tuesday is here!2025-12-02T00:00:00+00:002025-12-02T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/giving-tuesdayGiving Tuesday is here!

Traveling internationally is a life-changing opportunity that isn’t easily achievable for many students. This Giving Tuesday, make a donation to the Atlas Travel Foundation to help Shawnee County students explore their world.

Your gift will fund the Foundation’s first scholarship to a Shawnee County high school or college student participating in a school-sponsored international trip. Even just a small donation can turn “I wish I could go” into “ I went!”

]]>Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgApplications are open!2025-11-19T00:00:00+00:002025-11-19T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/applications-are-openScholarship applications are now open!

The Atlas Travel Foundation scholarship application is now open! Head straight to our info page if you’re ready to get started.

You’ll need to track down a couple of things before you apply; first, a PDF of your transcript or report card, and next, a letter of recommendation from one of your instructors. Beyond that, you’ll be able to fill out the form yourself.

Please make sure you have your application submitted through our form by February 15th, 2026. That’s less than 90 days from now!

We are looking forward to sending a Shawnee County student on an international trip next year!

Ready to start? Here’s our application. This will take you to the Google Form:

]]>Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgApplying for your first passport2025-10-20T00:00:00+00:002025-10-20T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/applying-for-passportApplying for your first passport

If you’re applying for your very first passport, you have to apply in person! You have to download the form from the Department of State first, then you’ll have to turn in your form, copies of your identification, your un-smiling photo, and your payment - to an official acceptance facility. Luckily, we have one in Topeka, right off Lower Silver Lake Road!

Front entrance of the USPS Facility at 1410 NW Gage Blvd in Topeka

The post office at 1410 NW Gage Blvd is the only place in Shawnee County that acts as an acceptance center for U.S. Passport applications. There are also acceptance facilities in Perry, St. Marys, and Lawrence, as well as other communities in Kansas. It’s typically a post office, but it’s not every post office.

Another heads up, you’ll need to schedule a time to bring your passport materials. If you need a photo, the USPS professionals can take one for you. You can also take your own but the requirements are extremely strict. It may take many tries to find a place to take the photo and to get one just right.

]]>Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgApplications will open soon2025-09-25T00:00:00+00:002025-09-25T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/applications-will-open-soonScholarship applications will open soon!

Stay tuned for the opportunity to apply for the very first international travel scholarship from the Atlas Travel Foundation. Applications will be open to students living in Shawnee County who are participating in an international program in 2026.

You’ll need to share a transcript or report card, and include two letters of recommendation from your instructors. Be thinking now of who you can ask to support your application!

Sign up here for updates to find out when the application goes live.

]]>Atlas Travel Foundationhello@atlastravelfoundation.orgWhat is an endowment?2025-03-05T00:00:00+00:002025-03-05T00:00:00+00:00https://atlastravelfoundation.org/blog/endowmentAn endowment is a gift that keeps on giving. Invested money can earn interest.

If we invest $20,000 and earn a return of 2.5%, that’s $500 in income! And that could be $500 of scholarship funds we could award every year, without ever spending down the initial investment.

Help us raise our principal of $20,000 so that we can give travel scholarships every year.

Make a tax-deductible contribution today »

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