Project Passport is a student-led community initiative based in Charleston, SC - founded by Max Farricielli, AJ Butterfield, and Bella Thackray - aimed at empowering underprivileged youth through immersive travel experiences. Our mission is to make the life-changing act of traveling abroad accessible to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity—specifically to regions where students can engage in cultural exploration, develop life skills, and gain firsthand experience with global perspectives.

Through fundraising efforts like bake sales, car washes, and community events (with more planned), we cover the costs of flights, lodging, meals, and essential supplies. These experiences are designed not only to broaden students’ horizons and cultivate academic and personal growth, but also to inspire them to return to Charleston with a greater sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute positively to their community and environment.

In short, Project Passport is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a platform for growth, education, and lasting impact, opened up by students for students.

Project Passport’s goal is to give underprivileged youth the life-changing opportunity to travel beyond their immediate surroundings and experience the world through cultural and educational journeys. We focus on sending students to regions where they can learn firsthand about life, ecosystem conservation, and cultural practices. By exposing students to these experiences, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of the natural world and empower them to bring valuable knowledge back to their homes. Through these trips, students not only gain academic and personal growth but also develop a sense of responsibility to their community and environment. Our broader mission is to open doors, expand horizons, and create lasting impact both for the students and for the Charleston area.