Teens of Color Abroad

25/09/2026

From his first passport to a career in the skies 🌎✈️

We are proud to announce Norman Betty as the recipient of TOCA’s Global Citizen Award at our First Annual Benefit on October 8.

Norman’s connection to TOCA began in 2019, when, as a senior at Uncommon Prep Charter High School, he received a Passport Pathway Scholarship that covered the full cost of his first passport. That passport became the beginning of a much bigger journey.

After graduating from RIT in 2023 with a degree in Media & Communications, Norman discovered that his greatest passion was connecting with people. That realization led him to a career as a flight attendant with JetBlue and later American Airlines, where he has traveled across the United States and around the world.

Today, he continues to fly with purpose while pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot through American Airlines’ Cadet Program.

Norman represents the very heart of what it means to be a global citizen: curious about the world, open to others, willing to step beyond what feels familiar, and committed to continuing the journey.

His story is also a powerful reminder of why access matters. TOCA helped Norman get his first passport. Now, years later, he is helping bring the world closer together every time he takes to the skies.

Please join us in celebrating Norman at the TOCA First Annual Benefit on October 8 in New York City.

🌎 Global Citizen Award
📅 October 8, 2026 | 6–9 PM
📍 Salesforce Tower – Ohana Floor

22/09/2026

TOCA's summer study abroad students immerse themselves in local culture and engage in daily activities that highlight each country's rich history and traditions. The Fellows who visited Aix-en-Provence this summer attended class in outdoor markets, museums, and art galleries, guided by faculty from Leo Marchutz School of Painting & Drawing. In this video, students learn about and draw inspiration from Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, a pioneer of brand identity in the art world during the Belle Époque. Visiting galleries is more than just a tour for TOCA students; it is a real-world exercise in embodying art and embracing history.

Visit our website to learn how to support future programming! https://www.teensofcolorabroad.org/funders-partners

21/09/2026

It is said that an image is worth a thousand words, and this postcard from the TOCA in France program of Summer 2026 is no exception. Fellows and Faculty stand in front of a century-old farmhouse in Aix-en-Provence, after a morning of outdoor oil painting the rolling hills and mountainous landscape of Beaurecueil, seen in the background. After each summer study abroad program, school partners, funders and families receive a hand-written postcard from the Fellows thanking them for their support.

Would you like to be a TOCA postcard penpal? Donate today! https://secure.givelively.org/event/teens-of-color-abroad/teens-of-color-abroad-s-1st-annual-benefit

21/09/2026

“Keep on looking forward to each and every day of this trip”
Excerpt from Aix Travel Blog by Zariyah Soto, TOCA France Fellow Summer 2026

It’s officially day two of being settled in the beautiful city of Aix en Provence. We’re taking the drawing classes, venturing here, and exploring. Today felt very meaningful to me especially, even though our stay has just begun. Having been more engaged today, immersed in the experience of the drawing class, sketching figures, being still and focusing on the depicted drawing in front of us, the moment made me truly feel proud of my intentions of coming here and embracing my creative style.

My tip (for future travelers) would be to always stay aware of your external factors and your internal factors. Be mindful of your surroundings, but also reflect within and know what you are feeling. When it feels challenging, take deep breaths with intention. Take in everything, enjoy the moment, experience what you’ve brought yourself to in a positive light. Going outside of that invisible limited line, and taking the first step to see things for yourself and through your personal lens."

15/09/2026

Now in its 7th year, TOCA Online Summer Sessions 💻 reached over 30 students from across the country this summer. Our flagship virtual program centers on three pillars:
TALK- Students participate in 10-20 hours of hands-on language learning in Arabic, French, or Spanish.
LISTEN- Engage in facilitated conversations with refugees alongside self-paced course modules.
CONNECT- Develop connections with globally-minded teens of color from the U.S. and South America.

Read what Praxedes (Arabic Language Fellow) from Chicago, IL, shared about her participation:

"During my TOCA journey...my experience was very engaging and involved growth I saw in my learning, and also myself! I was able to learn Arabic, and even though I still have areas of growth in my journey of learning it, I am proud of myself for now being able to understand it and be able to hold a conversation with others, or at least understand some words in what they say! What I learned in TOCA Online made a difference in my life by making me see how important it is to really understand other communities. It honestly benefits a lot knowing that I am able to connect more now through language, which makes me want to start sharing what I know with people close to me so that they could learn as well!"

This year, 95% of students said they would recommend the program to other students! Interested in learning more about TOCA Online Programs? Visit our website to learn more: https://www.teensofcolorabroad.org/toca-online

14/09/2026

From his first passport to a career in the skies. 🌎✈️ We are proud to announce Norman Betty as the recipient of TOCA’s Global Citizen Award at our First Annual Benefit on October 8.
Norman’s connection to TOCA began in 2019, when, as a senior at Uncommon Prep Charter High School, he received a Passport Pathway Scholarship that covered the full cost of his first passport. That passport became the beginning of a much bigger journey.

After graduating from RIT in 2023 with a degree in Media & Communications, Norman discovered that his greatest passion was connecting with people. That realization led him to a career as a flight attendant with JetBlue and later American Airlines, where he has traveled across the United States and around the world.

Today, he continues to fly with purpose while pursuing his dream of becoming a pilot through American Airlines’ Cadet Program. Norman represents the very heart of what it means to be a global citizen: curious about the world, open to others, willing to step beyond what feels familiar, and committed to continuing the journey.

His story is also a powerful reminder of why access matters. TOCA helped Norman get his first passport. Now, years later, he is helping bring the world closer together every time he takes to the skies.

Please join us in celebrating Norman at the TOCA First Annual Benefit on October 8 in New York City.
🌎 Global Citizen Award
📅 October 8, 2026 | 6–9 PM
📍 Salesforce Tower – Ohana Floor
Tickets: https://secure.givelively.org/event/teens-of-color-abroad/teens-of-color-abroad-s-1st-annual-benefit

09/09/2026

Join us for a chat with our guest, Quinn McMurtrey, for our September Community Circle.

Quinn McMurtrey is the Senior Manager for Access & Strategic Partnerships at IES Abroad, a globally recognized study abroad organization with programs in every time zone. She will discuss all things study abroad and offer tips on how to get the most out of your experience!

She will share info on :
🌎 What is study abroad
🏫 A variety of program offerings
👣 Practical steps to get started
💡 Attendees will learn how to choose the right destination and prepare for unforgettable cultural immersion

Join us Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 4 PM EST via Zoom. Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_quSUDG1ATHmSgb4TCy_nVw #/registration

Please share this opportunity with your network, friends, family, and anyone you think may be interested. This event is free and open to all interested in studying abroad.

08/09/2026

🌏A Beautiful Experience🌏

"I think TOCA in France and the memories I’ve made are something that’ll stick with me forever. The people I met and the things I got to see were breathtaking. I’m forever thankful and I’m so glad for TOCA." - Derek Tirado, TOCA France Fellow Summer 2026

You can see Derek's work in the TOCA Vernissage at BAM: "Between Cézanne & Delaney: A Summer in Aix-en-Provence," on exhibit from September 9 - September 20, 2026.

📍 BAM Brooklyn US Diker Gallery, Brooklyn
🗓️ Sept 9 | 6:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Free, RSVP required: https://secure.givelively.org/event/teens-of-color-abroad/toca-vernissage-at-bam/between-cezanne-delaney-a-summer-in-aix

08/09/2026

We are excited to see you tomorrow for the opening night of "Between Cézanne & Delaney: A Summer in Aix," a student art exhibition celebrating our Summer 2026 TOCA in France cohort's journey abroad.

📍 BAM Diker Gallery, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn
🗓️ Wednesday, September 9 | 6:30–8:30 PM
🎟️ Free, RSVP required https://secure.givelively.org/event/teens-of-color-abroad/toca-vernissage-at-bam/between-cezanne-delaney-a-summer-in-aix

Come see the world through our Fellows' eyes and paint brushes before the exhibit ends September 20!

Curated by Nai Roberts and Sheeba Maya.

Between Cézanne & Delaney: A Summer in AixVernissage Opening Reception @ BAM // Diker GalleryDate: Wed Sept 9, 2026Time: 6:30-8:30pmAddress: 30 Lafayette Avenue, Brook...

03/09/2026

🛫 Meet Sydney Thomas, TOCA’s Inaugural Catalyst Honoree!🛫

What does it mean to be a catalyst?
At Teens of Color Abroad, we believe it means using your leadership, relationships, and influence to create opportunities that might not otherwise exist—and helping others see possibilities beyond what they thought was possible.

That is exactly what Sydney Blake Thomas represents.

As Director of Brand Marketing at Beis Sydney builds brands at the intersection of product, culture, and community, leading strategy across partnerships, product marketing, consumer strategy, PR, executive visibility, and experiential. Her career has spanned public relations, creative strategy, and brand marketing, earning recognition as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree for Marketing & Advertising.

But we are especially proud to celebrate Sydney for the leadership she brings to TOCA as a member of our Board of Directors. Sydney understands that access to new experiences can be transformative. She believes in putting people and community at the center of the work—and she brings that same spirit to TOCA’s mission to help teens of color travel, explore, and expand their vision of what is possible.

As our inaugural Catalyst Honoree, Sydney represents the kind of leadership we hope to celebrate for years to come: visionary, community-centered, and committed to creating pathways for others to thrive.

Please join us in celebrating Sydney at the TOCA First Annual Benefit on October 8 in New York City.
🌎 October 8, 2026
✨ 6–9 PM
📍 Salesforce Tower – Ohana Floor
RSVP: https://secure.givelively.org/event/teens-of-color-abroad/teens-of-color-abroad-s-1st-annual-benefit