ABOUT THE ORIJIN PROJECT

Addressing Travel Disparities

 The Orijin Project addresses the travel disparity faced by Afro-descendant youth. In 2021, Pew Research Center revealed that 75% of Euro-descendant Americans had traveled abroad compared to only 49% of Afro-descendant Americans, largely due to fears of racial profiling. 

Understanding Study Abroad Statistics 

During the 2018-2019 academic year, only 6.4% of Black students studied abroad, in stark contrast to 68.7% of their white peers. While recent reports show a slight increase in participation among Black students, the gap remains significant.

Our Mission

 Our mission is to introduce youth from underserved communities to the beauty of Africa, particularly Rwanda, where we aim to foster self-actualization through cultural immersion. Through fundraising efforts, we organize group trips that support these initiatives and create meaningful connections to the continent.

The Orijin Project Fellowship 

The Orijin Project Fellowship empowers youth aged 18-20 identifying as Afro-descendant, offering a 10-day immersive program filled with cultural and professional enrichment. Fellows will engage with innovative companies and communities in Rwanda, building valuable networks and relationships.

A Transformative Graduation Gift 

This program serves as a transformative graduation gift, helping young Afro-descendants embark on their journeys with purpose and a deeper connection to their heritage. By June 2026, we aim to guide our first cohort on this life-changing adventure.