JOURNEY TO THE WEST

A NEW GENERATION LOOKS WESTWARD

A world-class city by any measure, Chicago is renowned for its incredible skyline, colorful history, rich musical heritage, and vibrant dining and arts scenes.

Unfortunately, Chicago is also known for the poverty, gun violence and lack of opportunity that plagues many of its disenfranchised communities. All too often, young people are the hardest hit by these challenges, making a way out difficult to find.

With an aim to focus more of our efforts on the inequities in our own backyard, A&K Philanthropy partnered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) in 2021 to introduce the city’s youth to the transformative power of travel. Each year, AKP hosts an incredible journey of discovery for a group of roughly 20 BGCC members.

It all begins at A&K USA Headquarters in the Chicago suburb of Downers Grove, where the BGCC members get a glimpse of the travel industry and the opportunities it might afford them.

Next, it’s off to the airport with AKP Executive Director Keith Sproule for a 10-day trip to Wyoming’s legendary Grand Teton National Park — a journey packed with outdoor adventure, teambuilding exercises and a chance to experience a world many of these youth have scarcely imagined.

The BGCC participants experience whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking and ziplining, as well as mindfulness activities like journaling and yoga. In addition to all the outdoor adventure, the trip highlights potential careers the participants might not have considered, such as tour operator, innkeeper, park ranger, chef and rafting guide.

Since the program’s inception, over 97% of the BGCC participants have reported a keen interest in travel careers, with 93% expressing a deeper appreciation for the value of teamwork. With gracious support from A&K guests, businesses in Jackson Hole and our partners at BGCC, AKP will continue to empower the youth of Chicago to find a brighter tomorrow by looking West.

“Thank you all for this amazing, one-of-a-kind experience. Every part of the trip was meaningful in a way. The diverse backgrounds of everyone made the trip even more special than I expected.”
— Journey to the West participant