Hi, this is Brigitte Patterson, and I’m excited to announce that I will be leading a group of Rodriguez Preparatory School students on a WorldStrides program to Alaska. On this once-in-a-lifetime adventure, students will explore vast wilderness, expansive glaciers, native communities all while experiencing incomparable learning moments. This will be a trip that your child will be talking about for years to come! See below for important information about our trip and email me at brigitte.patterson@sbcusd.k12.ca.us if you have questions!
This is not a school sponsored trip.

Dates

  • 06/18/2024 to 06/23/2024

Price

  • $3,220 Per student- Quad occupancy
  • Sign up with an initial deposit of $99.

  • Pricing based on 35 students signing up for our trip.

  • Add on the Full Refund Program for only $359. See below for details.

Trip ID

202955

Inclusions

  • 6 Days and 5 Nights
  • Transportation to & from Destination
  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Admission to all Attractions
  • All Meals (unless otherwise stated)
  • Course Leader
  • Accident & Medical Insurance
  • Opportunity to Earn Free Academic Credit

Trip Information Meeting

We will be hosting another trip information meeting this fall.  Stay tuned for additional details along with the date, time and location of that meeting.

Special Announcements

Space still available.  Sign up today.  More students on the trip means more fun.

Learn more about our Alaska program!

Our Trip Highlights

Here’s a sample list of some of the many attractions and activities the students will see and do on this trip. This trip is going to be so much fun and the students are going to learn so much!

Kenai Fjords National Park

Observe wildlife by boat in the Kenai Fjords National Park. Look for orcas, humpback whales, stellar sea lions, puffins, and otters as you make your way to a tidewater glacier. As the glaciers move toward the sea, you’ll gain a better understanding of the impact of glacier erosion and glacial rebound.

Kenai-Fjords National Park, Alaska

Denali Mountain

Denali Mountain is the highest peak in North America with an elevation of 20,310-feet. The base to peak rise of this mountain is the largest of any mountain that’s located entirely above sea level. Photograph it as you travel through Denali National Park.

Denali Mountain, Alaska

Denali National Park

Travel deep inside Denali National Park and seek the big five—caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep, moose, and wolves. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Alaskan Range, including Denali Mountain. This six million acre wild-land is truly one of the most spectacular places on earth. You’ll also enjoy a talk with a local Denali mountaineer.

Denali National Park, Alaska

Exit Glacier

Take a hike to the tongue of Exit Glacier. See where the Harding Icefield meets the Resurrection River while discussing glaciology, erosion, and the impact of katabatic winds.  This activity will immerse students in learning about science, engineering, and math while taking in breathtaking views.

Exit Glacier, Alaska

Happy Trails Sled Dog Kennels

Learn what it takes to be a ‘musher’ as you tour one of Alaska’s sled dog kennels.  You’ll have a chance to pet the puppies and find out all the hard-work and training that it takes to turn these pups into sled dogs, including the steps needed to race in the Iditarod.  This is a student favorite while in Alaska!

Iditarod Dog Sled Race Alaska

Potter’s Marsh

Just outside Anchorage, you’ll discover the southern-most point of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. The 1,500-foot boardwalk extends out into the marsh and gives you easy access to see a variety of birds including Canadian geese, canvasback ducks, and even eagles as they nest at the base of the bluffs.

Potters Marsh, Alaska

Alaska Sealife Center

Built through funds from the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, this marine research and rehabilitation center is one your students won’t want to leave. They’ll work with scientists to learn about the rich ecosystem of the Bering Sea, see the work being done to protect the endangered sea lions, and discover the secrets of the harbor seals that call Resurrection Bay home.

Alaska Sealife Center, Alaska

Tools to Help Pay for the Trip

Financial Assistance

  • Over $2.5 million in financial assistance is given out each year
  • Families with annual adjusted gross incomes of up to $85,000 may qualify
  • One simple call to WorldStrides Customer Service (800-468-5899) can tell you how much assistance may be available even before registering for the trip.  (FLAG Financial Assistance is available on a first-come, first-served basis.)

Gift of Education Fundraiser

  • Student driven fundraiser where 100% of the money raised goes to offset the trip price
  • Students send e-cards, letters, or share links on social media, and family and friends, in one simple click, can make a direct donation
  • Thousands of students pay for their entire trip each year through the Gift of Education

Affordable Payment Plans

  • Pay a small initial deposit to sign up for the trip
  • The remaining balance is spread out into small amounts and paid monthly prior to travel
  • Set up auto-deductions from your account saving you time and money

The Health and Safety of our Travelers is our #1 Priority

WorldStrides has been tackling the unprecedented for the last 55 years and our experienced team is leading the way, constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing heath & safety requirements that are imperative for student travel. Even with this changing landscape, the values that underpin our commitment to health and safety remain unchanged: a dedication to scenario and contingency planning that relies on a rich network of partners and a “do-what-it-takes” commitment to respond to whatever the world hands out. Below are just a few of the measures and resources we have in place:

  • Expertly trained Course Leaders to guide your group. Course Leaders are destination experts and will help bring learning to life for your students while navigating them through your itinerary.
  • Around the Clock Program Support: WorldStrides has staff members who are with your group at all times.  Exact safety measures vary by destination but could range from a staff member at your hotel to assist with any needs that may arise to night chaperones that watch the hallways while students are sleeping.  In some destinations, we provide 24-hour Course Leaders.  That’s all in addition to the support of Doctors on Call and WorldAssist.
  • Doctors on Call: our exclusive partnership with the Department of Emergency Medicine at The George Washington University
  • WorldAssist: our 24/7 safety and security command center staffed by WorldStrides team members who are specially trained to handle any situation – no matter how big or small.
  • WorldStrides Name Badges: provided to all students and printed with the WorldAssist phone number providing direct access to students should the need arise.

Exact safety and security measures vary by destination.  Please refer to your program specific materials for more details.

 

course leader

Protect Your Investment with our Full Refund Program

Educational travel is an investment in your child’s future. Our Full Refund Program protects that investment should you have to cancel your registration for any reason prior to departure. The program refunds all money paid (less the cost of the Full Refund Program and any other non-refundable fees) and includes special Job Loss Protection. We strongly recommend that you add on our Full Refund Program when signing up for your trip. Full Terms and Conditions are available at worldstrides.com/tripterms.

Academic Credit included with each trip

Through our Discovery for Credit program, we’re extremely proud to offer academic credit to student travelers upon successful completion of online course work.  Student travelers in middle school can receive high school credit and student travelers in grades 9-12 may be eligible to receive up to three college credits.  On applicable programs, college credit is provided through our university partner, George Mason University.  Click here to learn more.