“This is my first time ever out of the country, and it won’t be my last. I’ll try to keep on traveling, I’ll try to help people out, I will keep my community service up.”
-Colton

Excelsior Academy provides students with the option of a high school diploma and associate’s degree in Applied Sciences. Excelsior’s 4-6 year program explores high school courses along with computer and cyber courses at the college level. The school encourages information technology studies in hopes to instill brighter futures for the students of Excelsior and Newburgh.

Highlights from the trip

The students of Excelsior Academy decided that on their trip to Quito, Ecuador they would also mix volunteering with vacation to really grasp the culture and all that Ecuador has to offer. The students volunteered at Casa Victoria, a non-profit organization that is accessible to students as a safe place for after-school activities, homework help, etc. The students brought Snap Circuits, a gadget used in Robotics Club back at Excelsior Academy in Newburgh, New York, for the kids at Casa Victoria. They also volunteered their time helping build and repair as well as learning to cook an Ecuadorian meal. The trip also consisted of taking a trip outside of Quito, to lands of indigenous and to Mitad del Mundo, which is a monument for the equator. The students even got their passports stamped at the equator!

The students left Quito, on a day excursion to Hosteria San Francisco where they hiked, rode horseback, and learned about sustainable farming. On their last day, the students spent time at Hosteria San Isidro, where they learned about agricultural, environmental and community practices to create a sustainable business.

Excelsior Academy also strives to create global citizens. The students were grateful for this opportunity to learn different skills and experiences. Their eagerness to learn and give back to the community by way of Casa Victoria helped make this a successful, educational and unforgettable trip!